Twin Memorial Figure, Ere Ibeji

The Yoruba believe that twins are semidivine and possess special powers. If a twin dies, the parents consult a diviner who may decide that an ere ibeji should be carved as a substitute for the deceased child. Ere ibeji are bathed, fed, and played with, just as a living child would be. These actions are intended to please the soul of the deceased twin so that he or she will bring good fortune to the family. Ere ibeji are not portraits, and ibeji are shown as physically mature adults in the hopes that the child's spirit will return in another life and grow to adulthood.