Ere Ibeji from Awori

The Ibeji in the Awori style are among the most iconic sacred objects of the Yoruba cultures in Nigeria and Dahomey (modern-day Benin). The Awori style is a specific stylistic subgroup within the Ibeji tradition, originating from the Awori ethnic group, a Yoruba subgroup living in the Lagos region and its surroundings. It is distinguished by several notable visual characteristics:

Simplified and stylized sculpture: Awori statuettes are often simpler and less ornate than those from other Yoruba regions. They exhibit clear geometric shapes and stylized, almost abstract faces, with a pronounced frontality.

Long and narrow faces: The heads of Awori statuettes tend to be more elongated than those of other Ibeji styles, with facial features often reduced to the essentials. The eyes are carved in an almond shape or sometimes represented by simple grooves.

Usage of conical hairstyles: The hairstyles of Awori statuettes are particularly striking. They are often sculpted in the shape of cones or pyramids, finely incised with linear or spiral patterns that represent complex and symbolic traditional hairstyles.

Absence of decorative overload: Unlike Ibeji from other styles, such as those from the Egba or Oyo, where the figures are richly adorned with beads, shells, or facial scarifications, Awori Ibeji favor a certain sobriety. Scarifications, if present, are minimalistic, concentrated on the face, especially on the cheeks and forehead.

The Awori statuettes are typically carved from hardwoods that can withstand the test of time, and they often acquire a polished patina from frequent handling, as they are coated with palm oil and pigments. This patina is a sign of ongoing veneration, as the figure was regularly maintained and used in prayer rituals to honor the spirit of the deceased twin.

The Awori ibeji statuettes, while often more streamlined and less detailed than those from other Yoruba regions, nonetheless carry a strong symbolic weight. They express a subtle balance between the individuality of the twins and their inseparable bond. Their rigid posture, frontal orientation, and the symmetry of their form convey a need for stability and cosmic harmony, while emphasizing the sacredness of the object.