Southwestern Nigeria and southern Benin 
Yoruba

Wood, cowrie shells, beads
arr. Late 1800s
Dolls Height: 10 inches; Width of Cowrie Shell Jackets each: 8.5 in
Other – Ritual Symbolism

This is a Yoruba carved set of two female twin sisters called ‘Ibeji’ sculptures.  These wooden carved ‘ibeji’ figures are intricately designed and adorned as they reflect the sacredness and divine status ascribed to twins in the Yoruba belief system.  Showcased is the incised doll design adorned with beads and each with well-made shell jackets.

Twin births hold profound cultural significance in Yoruba families and society at large. Twins are often considered a special blessing, believed to bring double the joy, luck, and prosperity to their families.

The Origin Story of the Ibeji Twins

“At the heart of this story is the benevolent goddess Yemaya, known for her nurturing nature and protective spirit.  Yemaya experienced the joy of motherhood as she brought forth two precious twins into the world. However, fate dealt a cruel blow, and one of the twins tragically passed away during infancy. In the face of this unimaginable pain, Yemaya’s love and determination shone brightly. Driven by her unconditional love for her surviving child, she embarked on a divine act of creation, crafting a wooden replica of the departed twin with her own hands. In a sacred and sacredly tender moment, the wooden child came to life, becoming a tangible embodiment of the departed twin’s spirit. And thus, the ‘Ibeji’ Twins came into existence, forever etching their story into the annals of Yoruba mythology.

In the Yoruba tradition, the ‘Ibeji’ Twins serve as a reminder of the sanctity of the family, the enduring spirit of those we love, and the power of a mother’s love. Through their story, we find solace, inspiration, and a spiritual connection to the eternal cycles of life, love, and loss.”

Resource: https://originalbotanica.com/blog/ibeji-twins-orishas-yoruba-santeria