Yoruba Ibeji Twin Protective Figure with Antique Beads

Yoruba Ibeji female twin protective figure, an older carving representing a deceased twin, decorated with a necklace of antique glass beads and strings of heishi bead discs around the neck, hands, waist and feet. Notes: the Yoruba have one of the world's highest rates of twin births, but up until modern times a very high rate of infant mortality. Twins were regarded as a blessing and these ibeji figures were carved to represent the missing twin, thus appeasing the departed spirit and protecting the survivor.