Ibeji: The Cult of Yoruba Twins

by John Pemberton III

"An artistic reaction to the high rate of twinning among the Yoruba of Africa, the approximately 600 beautiful and rare twin figures—ere ibeji—illustrated in this book were chosen from museums and private collections in the United States and throughout the world. Keeping in mind the specifics of use, differences in detail and alterations in style are considered in terms of the effects of the passage of time, including ritual usage and handling. Because a full appreciation of ere ibeji requires an understanding of the history and role of twin figures in Yoruba culture, the essays accompanying the photographs explain this important contextual material."

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2008