Yoruba Ibeji or 'Twins' Figure

Arms hang straight at the sides. Knees slightly flexed. The jaw set, the eyes wide, and above them a pointed, helmet-like crest with a raised ridge down the middle.

This is a Yoruba ibeji from Nigeria, twentieth century, wood, just under a foot tall. The dark, polished surface has gone red-brown where hands have rubbed it. Toes are carved individually on a round base.

He stands like someone who has been asked to wait, and intends to do it well.

Do not hurry him.