Posted 26 days ago
Truthisana…
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"The Yoruba of Nigeria have the highest recorded rate of twin births in the world with an estimate 45 sets of twins in every 1,000 births." In Yoruba culture, "Ibeji" refers to a pair of carved wooden figures representing twins, considered spiritually powerful beings, where if one twin dies, a dedicated "Ibeji" statue is created to house the spirit of the deceased twin, with the surviving family caring for it as if it were still alive, offering food and washing it as part of ritual practices; essentially acting as a memorial to the departed twin and a way to appease their spirit.
Cowrie shells are still used today in Yoruba divination rituals. In one Yoruba tradition called merindinlogun, which literally means “four taken from 20,” a diviner communicates with the 16 original orishas (ancestor spirits) by casting 16 cowrie shells on a carved wooden tray as he poses a question about the future. Yoruba people have one of the highest recorded twin birth rates globally, and twins are seen as a blessing, often believed to share a single soul. Ere Ibeji The carved figures representing twins are called "Ere Ibeji".
After a twin's death, the "Ere Ibeji" is meticulously cared for by the family, including dressing it in clothes, feeding it, and washing it regularly. These figures often feature elaborate hairstyles, beaded jewelry, and detailed facial features, reflecting the Yoruba aesthetic.
It is believed that if the Ibeji figures are neglected, the spirit of the deceased twin may bring misfortune to the family.
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