Ibeji Figure (one of a pair)

CultureYoruba

Dateearly 20th century

MediumWood, pigment, metal, and beads

DimensionsOverall: 11 1/4 × 4 1/8 × 4 3/4 inches (28.58 × 10.48 × 12.07 cm)

Credit LineGift of Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, 2025

Object number2025.56.14

On View

Not on view

Terms

DescriptionEre ibeji figures are memorials to deceased twins. The sculptures are ritually washed, fed, and clothed. They are carved in a style that emphasizes a pointed head, elaborate hairstyle, round eyes, and a broad nose. The figures are decorated with accessories and their coiffures are painted a vivid blue color.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Selections from the Ralph T. Coe Collection of African Art, Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, October 3-December 15, 2002.

Provenance

With a Beverly Hill store, Los Angeles, CA, by 1968 [1];

Purchased from a Beverly Hills store by Ralph T. Coe (1929-2010), Santa Fe, NM, 1968-2010;

His bequest to the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM, 2010-2025;

The Coe Center's gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2025.

NOTES:

[1] According to object documentation provided by the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts at the time of the object's gift, see Nelson-Atkins curatorial files. Documentation for one of the pair of Ibejis indicates that they were purchased from a woman's fashion store on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. Documentation for the other Ibeji indicates they were purchased from a "tricked up" fashionable store for the upscale patrons of Los Angeles along Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd.

Published References

Oberlin College, Selections from the Ralph T. Coe Collection of African Art (Oberlin, OH: Oberlin College, Allen Memorial Art Museum, 2002), 16-17, (repro.).

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