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Twin figure

Next to scientific models, we also have many non-scientific models at our disposal. Examples of the latter are these African pairs of figures and Etruscan ex votos, i.e. statuettes to thank the gods for a favour granted. They embody ideas and theories, similar to scientific models, but cannot be interpreted as unambiguously. This can be explained by the fact that they have more than one layer of meaning: apart from factual information they also convey symbolic and/or spiritual knowledge.
  • Other name: ere ibeji / ere ibeyi
  • Date: before 1967
  • Origin: Yorùbá
  • Location: Nigera, Africa
  • Collection: Ethnography
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An ere ibeji is a carved wooden figure of a twin who died in childhood.

Who are the Yorùbá?

The Yorùbá people are a large ethnic group from Nigeria. In statistical terms, twins are quite common in the Yorùbá; it is estimated that out of every 1,000 births, 45 result in twins.

What is an ere ibeji?

An ere ibeji is a carved wooden figure of a twin who died in childhood.

What were these twin figures used for?

Yorùbá believe twins have special powers and share a single mind. The ere ibeji-carving represents the deceased twin. The statue carved in his/her honour allows his/her spirit to live on after death.

What makes a twin carving so special?

The proportions of the wooden twin are not true to life. They represent inner life, or the spirit. The head symbolises the ‘personality, which determines each individual’s destination.’ That is why the head is so large in comparison to the rest of the body. The torso, where the heart is situated, is rather prominent as well. The arms, which are required to feed oneself, to sow and to defend oneself, stretch far below the knees.

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