The cult of Ibeji is particularly important among the Yoruba people living in Nigeria. These populations have one of the highest rates of twin births in the world. While in ancient times, the birth of twins in a family was considered a curse, from the 19th century onwards the birth of twins became synonymous with blessing and prosperity. The statuettes became imbued with great spirituality, and it is not uncommon to see statuettes of triplets or even quadruplets. Some of these statues can be seen at the Musée du Quai Branly, and they exude great emotion. These statuettes presented by Retour de Voyage were made by an artist under the advice of a diviner and were used as objects of remembrance and devotion. These statuettes have undergone extensive care and rituals, giving them a deep patina of use. We are always touched by the delicacy of these twins, and very proud to be able to present a pair of Ibeji once again. Heights 24.5 cm and 22 cm Wood, beads

Private collection, France