Pair of Ilorin Male and Female

This old pair of  figures originates from a workshop in Ilorin, a major cultural center within the Oyo Yoruba territory. The style is defined by a striking shortened anatomy: the figures have a thick, cylindrical body, large ears, and minimal legs, contrasting sharply with their very tall, commanding bases. The figures are particularly noteworthy for their unique ritual carvings, featuring a very large Islamic triangle motif prominently carved on both the front and back of each figure. This suggests a unique local adaptation in Ilorin, where traditional Yoruba religion and Islamic influence frequently intersected, lending the figures an added layer of spiritual complexity. Adding to their distinction, the figures retain old, original decorations and their coiffures are still stained with indigo pigment, applied ritually to "cool" the spirit of the deceased twins. The carving style is attributed to a specific carver from the region, whose work, including a triplet figure set, is also documented on page 259 of Gert Stoll's reference book on Ibeji.

Ibeji Art offers an unconditional guarantee of authenticity on the Ibeji sold because they are always accompanied by the Expertise of Fausto or Mauro Polo. READ MORE...