Ere Ibeji from Egba-Egbado

Egba and Egbado Styles of Ibeji Twin Figures

The Egba and Egbado styles are two distinct sub-styles of Ibeji statuettes, reflecting the cultural, geographical, and aesthetic differences among the various Yoruba sub-tribes.

Egba Style Ibeji

The Egba are a Yoruba sub-tribe living around the city of Abeokuta in southwestern Nigeria.

Egba statuettes are characterized by their careful and fine details.

These sculptures are generally quite realistic, demonstrating great attention to detail in facial features, body proportions, and hairstyles. Egba sculptures have oval faces with clearly defined and expressive traits.

The hairstyles of Egba style Ibeji are often elaborate, featuring braids and geometric patterns.

Egbado Style Ibeji

The Egbado, also known as Yewa, are another Yoruba sub-group living further to the west, near the border with Benin.

Egbado statuettes are often more stylized than those of the Egba style, featuring more abstract and less naturalistic traits.

These statuettes may have exaggerated proportions, such as oversized heads in relation to the rest of the body, which can reflect a symbolic stylization.

The eyes can be sculpted as slits or small circles, giving these figures a more stylized and less realistic appearance compared to the Egba style.

The hairstyles of Egbado statuettes are often simpler than those of the Egba, but can still include geometric patterns and symbolic lines..

Ibeji figures, whether of Egba or Egbado style, play a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual balance of the family after the loss of a twin. The mother or a family member cares for the statuette as if it were a living child, offering it food, clothing, and regular prayers. This reflects the Yoruba belief that the souls of deceased twins continue to exist and must be appeased to protect the surviving family members.