The book Ibeji by Gert and Mareidi Stoll is an essential reference in the study of the Ibeji and, more broadly, the twin worship among the Yoruba of Nigeria. Published in the 1980s, this work remains, to this day, unrivaled and timeless. If one were to own only a single book on this subject, it would be this one. It stands out for its extremely rich iconography, covering all areas of stylistic influence of the Ibeji within Yorubaland, and offering rare precision by identifying the villages of origin of the pieces studied.

The texts by Gert and Mareidi Stoll comprehensively address all aspects of twin worship, thereby enriching our understanding of this cultural heritage. These studies, conducted in the field between the 1950s and 1960s, reflect an unparalleled commitment: the authors, having lived for almost a decade in Nigeria, are the only specialists to have studied this worship in situ, when it was still being practiced. The book Ibeji remains a fundamental work for any enthusiast or collector, indispensable for deepening the knowledge of this fascinating worship. 338 pages - Texts in English and German.

About Gert & Mareidi Stoll

Gert Stoll is a German researcher and author, renowned for his pioneering work on the art and culture of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, particularly on the twin worship, or "Ibeji." He is best known for the book he co-authored with his wife Mareidi Stoll, titled Ibeji, published in the 1980s. This book has become an essential reference for the study of Ibeji sculptures and twin worship in Yoruba culture.

Between the 1950s and 1960s, the couple spent nearly a decade in Nigeria, where they conducted extensive field research. During this time, they were able to observe and document the ritual practices surrounding the Ibeji, the statuettes representing deceased twins, which hold a central place in Yoruba cosmology.

Their work, based on years of direct observations and anthropological studies, is renowned for its level of detail and rigor. They explore not only the artistic aspects of the sculptures but also the ritual and symbolic meanings associated with twin worship.

Gert and Mareidi Stoll are among the few researchers who truly lived in Nigeria, and their contribution has greatly enriched the understanding of Yoruba art and beliefs. Their book remains a valuable reference for collectors, researchers, and African art enthusiasts.

Despite the significance of his work, Gert Stoll's personal biography remains sparsely documented outside of his research. His work, however, continues to live on through the influence of his studies on African art and Yoruba culture.