Figure Item Number: 3406/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Bright green plastic doll (representing an ibeji figure), in the form of a female with short hair, wearing a knee-length dress with short sleeves and a ruffled collar. Dress is belted at the waist, with a bow tied at the back centre. Dress has a row of buttons running down the back, from the collar to the belt. Figure has a necklace with large heart-shaped pendant. Doll is holding a toy bear in her right arm, with her left arm straight along her side. Wearing knee-length socks, with a square pattern, and plain shoes. The piece is hollow and was moulded, the centre seam is visible along all sides. Hole in top centre of head, with a black plastic plug.
History Of Use
This type of plastic "lotte doll" is now sometimes used in Yoruba practices, in place of a traditional wooden figure. Ère Ìbejì is normally a wooden figure that was carved in honour of a twin who died. Yorubas believe that twins share a soul, so the family was to treat the figure as they would if the twin was still physically present. As a result, the twin was fed, washed and cared for.
Item History
- Made in Nigeria ? during 2019
- Collected in Lagos, Nigeria
- Owned by Titilope Salami before November 13, 2019
- Received from Titilope Salami (Donor) on November 13, 2019
What
Who
- Culture
- Yoruba
- Previous Owner
- Titilope Salami
- Received from
- Titilope Salami (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nigeria ?
- Collected in
- Lagos, Nigeria
When
- Creation Date
- during 2019
- Ownership Date
- before November 13, 2019
- Acquisition Date
- on November 13, 2019
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3406/0001