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ECU #L00103
The twin birth rate among the Yoruba is proportionately high compared to other geographic regions. Because twins double the financial burden, twins born in poor families were formerly put to death. The ruling families, however, instituted a twin cult under instructions from an oracle, which said that the killing of twins was offending Shango, the god of thunder. Mothers of twins had to dance to Ibeji, the spirit of twins, every five days. Offerings of food are thought to placate the spiritÕs temperament.
The ere ibeji are placed on the household altar. There they are fed and clothed just as the surviving twin is fed and clothed to placate Shango. Ere ibeji figures are dedicated to Shango, by the application of campowder. Shango is also known as Oko Ibeji, Òthe husband of twins.Ó The twinsÕ connection to Shango can also be seen in the clothing provided for the figures. Often tiny capes of cowrie shells are made for the figures. These capes, called Ewu Shango, are miniatures of the ones worn by priests during the Shango ritual. The cowrie shell symbolizes Shango in that he is the god of material wealth and the cowrie shell is an ancient form of money.
