Yoruba Pair of Figures, Nigeria

ibeji
heights 8 3/4in (22cm)

Provenance
Omar Keinde, Dakar, Senegal
Jack and Constance Wallinga, Minneapolis
Bonhams, New York, 12 May 2012, Lot 219
Charles D. Miller, III, St. James, New York

Purportedly by Eshubiyi, the master carver from the Abeokuta region, circa 1905, each with sagittal-crested coiffures, their faces with alert expressions, the arms carved freely at the sides terminating in large hands with exaggerated openings between thumb and palm, the skirts with two vertical rows of incised designs, each with large feet with rectangular toes and deeply carved nails resting on the lozenge-shaped bases; smooth, dark brown patina with gnaw marks. "W58" written in white on the back rim of each base.