Exhibiting Africa: Ways of Seeing, Knowing & Showing

Ere Ibeji

You care for them every day.

You carry them on your back. You feed them kola nuts, beans, palm oil, and bananas. You rub them with palm oil, and ground redwood or camwood, to keep them smooth and polished. You cover their hair in indigo pigment. You clothe them and give them jewelry made from cowrie shells or beads. You kiss them. You sing to them and pray with them. You care for them as you would your child.

You love them as you loved your child when they were still here.


Nigeria has the highest rate of fraternal twin births in the world. These Ere Ibejicarved figures are prevalent in Yoruba tradition, largely to signify the importance of twins in their community and to pay homage to those who have departed. Twins are considered very powerful as they can exist in the human world, the spirit world, and the natural world. They have the ability to bring happiness, health and prosperity to their family. The Yoruba also acknowledge that this power could have negative consequences.

Ere Ibeji figures are made in the event of a death of one or both twins. The figures, which house the living souls of deceased twins in the community, are loved by their families. Ere means “sacred image,” ibi means “born,” and eji means “two,” but the significance of the figures goes beyond what a translation can convey. The children in Bryn Mawr’s collection are incomplete. Had they remained with their families, they might still have a polished sheen, and they would most likely be covered in jewelry or simple clothes. Their facial features would have been worn down over time by ritual feeding and loving caresses.

It is important to recognize that these twins are not meant to be viewed as aesthetic pieces, but rather as embodiments of those who have gone, and as coping mechanisms for the family who remains behind. These twins are living, breathing individuals who are cared for first by the artist who created them and later by their sibling and parents. Ere Ibeji are often buried with their loved ones or given to another family member; their care is ongoing.

We know very little about the figures we have. We know that they are Ere Ibeji. We know a bit about what Ere Ibeji are. But we do not know who these twins were. We do not know when or where they lived, who carved their figures, or even what their names were. We don’t know who cared for them or why they were given away.
 

Do you want to look? Should you look?

If yes, move the curtain aside by continuing to scroll — the Ere Ibeji are there.

If not, continue the digital exhibition HERE.

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