Commemorative Twin Figure
Item
-
Accession Number
-
2024.11.
-
Title
-
Commemorative Twin Figure
-
Ethnic Group
-
Yoruba
-
Subject
-
Figure|Ritual|West Africa
-
Country
-
Nigeria
-
Date
-
Early 20th Century
-
Medium
-
Patinated wood
-
Format
-
H x W x D: 10 in x 3 1/4 in x 4 1/2 in (25.4 cm x 8.255 cm x 11.43 cm)
-
Description
-
The male and female figures from the Yoruba community commemorate deceased twins. The coiffures signify their social status, turned blue by repeatedly dipping the top of the head in indigo. The indigo symbolizes the calming of the deceased's inner spirit. The small wooden figures are decorated in elaborate scarification patterns, sharing common patterns on the face and by the navel. The figures are bathed, dressed, and offered food as part of the ritualistic commemoration practices.
-
Type
-
Twin Figures
