Ibedji figure representing a dead female twin, Yoruba people, Nigeria, 1871-1910

Carved wooden effigy or Ibedji figure made to represent a dead twin and acts as a receptacle for its spirits, female, standing with bead necklaces, girdle, anklets and brass armlets, Yoruba, Nigeria 1871-1910

Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, twins are believed to bless their parents with good fortune. The Yoruba people have one of the highest rates of twin births in the world and the death of a twin is considered a great misfortune. If a twin dies, the mother commissions a memorial figure (two if both twins die), and the soul of the deceased twin is believed to be transferred to it. The mother dresses the statue in cloth and jewellery and keeps it near her bed. She also offers the figure food and prayers weekly, and performs more elaborate rituals on the occasion of birthdays and annual festivals. This statue represents a female twin and forms a pair with A655924.