Ire-Ibeji
Ire Ibeji Figures( Twin Figures) Yoruba, Nigeria, Image from U of I. http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/Ibeji%20for%20web/List%20of%20research%20papers.html.
The Ire Ibeji Figure is made by the Yoruba peoples and it thought to represent the spirit of twins. Carved figurines to commemorate the propitiate dead twins are making a quintessentially modern form, dependent on imported materials and techniques, fulfill a traditional ritual function.[1] The Ire Ibeji’s main purpose is to serve as a memoir for the spirit of a dead child. This figure is meant to be abstracted but still represent the two twins that it is representing. They are made of wood and are carved to represent an ideal physical type by the Yoruba peoples. Most Ire Ibjeis are made to show the cone shaped head, elaborate hairstyles, facial features, and the balance of physical body parts. The Yoruba peoples see twins as spirited, unpredictable, and fearless. Twins in the Yoruba culture are thought to have exceptional abilities. In some cases the mothers of the two twins beg for offerings in return, these people are blessed. Twins are rare, if one twin dies they must speak with a babalawo to make an Ire Ibeji which represents the deceased twin, this also serves as a resting place for the deceased twin's spirit which is then placed somewhere in the owner's home. The thought of being a twin is rare, which shows how special it is to be a twin. The Yoruba firmly believe in spiritual connection to the other world, which is why the importance of twins and the Ire-Ibeji is such a spiritual power to the people of the Yoruba culture.[2]
[1] Karin Barber. “Popular Arts in Africa.” 39
[2] Monica Visona, 359-361.
[1] Karin Barber. “Popular Arts in Africa.” 39
[2] Monica Visona, 359-361.
Cylindrical Head
Human Head: Cylindrical Representation, Ife, Yoruba. 13th-14th Century. Terracotta. ARTstor Slide Gallery, Data from: Univeristy of California, San Diego
The Cylindrical Head is made by the Yoruba peoples of the Ile-Ife. It is a Terra-Cotta ceramic, this Terra-Cotta represent the ori inu (inner head) and the ori ode (outer head). The purpose of the inner head with this object is meant to make the culture think about things spiritually and to use your imagination when you think. This object is abstracted. There are two holes to represent the eyes and an opening for the mouth. The Cylindrical figure is an important piece to represent spiritual power because it is used to represent what the peoples “sees” their spirits as, but it is not physically represented. While the other images focus mostly on the objects image this object represents what it is spiritually about and what spirits they believe in. [1]
[1] Monica Visona, 232-233.
[1] Monica Visona, 232-233.