African Art Pair Hand Carved Ibiji Twins Yoruba Nigeria - eBay, African, Cultural, Religious, Collectables. (end time 19-Dec-09 19:34:56 AEDST)

African Art at Timbuctu to Tasmania

Visit my eBay store


Store Categories
Store home African Masks Helmet Masks & Headdress African Figurative Sculpture Zoomorphic Carvings African Utilitarian Objects African Dolls African Fetish Charms Ceremonial & Royal Court Art Curios and Handcraft

Hand Carved Pair of Traditional Style Twin Figures, Yoruba, Nigeria

These little Ibeji were collected in 2007. They are in good condition, well carved softwood with a polished darkened patina
They measure: Left 26 x 8 cm Right 29 x 8 cm. Shipping weight is 1.5kg (see pictures).

Among the Yoruba, twins (ibeji) are special children whose birth can bless their parents with good fortune. The Yoruba have one of the highest rates of twin births in the world, and the loss of twins is therefore considered a great misfortune. If a twin dies, the mother commissions a memorial figure (two if both twins die), and the soul of the deceased twin is transferred to it. The mother dresses the statuette in cloth and adorns it with jewelry, and keeps it near her bed. She also offers it food and prayers weekly and performs more elaborate rituals on the occasion of birthdays and annual festivals. The figures are carved according to different regional styles.
The statuettes conform to the Yoruba aesthetics of physical proportion. The head is one third the size of the body, because the head is associated with a person's destiny or "inner head," which determines success and failure in life. Artistic emphasis is placed on "human resemblance," rather than photographic likeness, and the facial features, though stylized, are carefully deliniated and delicate. The smoothed surface, which is difficult to achieve without sandpaper, expresses the desired quality of luminosity. Other Yoruba aesthetic qualities are relative straightness, good composition, youthful appearance, and clarity of line.

Please email for quote for shipping discounts on multiple items.
International buyers please email for shipping quotation, methods and times before buying.
Unless otherwise requested international shipments go via Australia post - Air Parcel Post. http://www1.auspost.com.au/pac/int_parcel.asp
We carry an international shipping insurance policy which covers all of our international as well as domestic freight and post. Individual items with a value greater than AU$500 incur an excess of AU$350.00. Individual items with a value less than AU$500 are exempt from excess. http://www.xe.com/ucc/
We are not responsible for any transit damage however we do pack all goods in solid and secure packaging.
We are not responsible for any international tax or duty charges.
We will provide paperwork for Customs that accompanies each package. If you have special requests regarding customs documentation please contact us.
Payment on all auctions should be received within 7 days.
All of our African art has been fumigated and passed Australian Customs and Quarantine inspection on arrival in Australia.
Please note: Our collection is also for sale from our retail galleries. It may be necessary to withdraw them from Auction at any time if sold.
This item is made by hand, may be old and used. Wear and imperfections are expected. It is described to the best of our ability and any damage will be visible in the images. If you are unsure of the item condition please email for further images or detail before bidding.

For images of some more items in our collection go to:
www.flickr.com/photos/sidewalk_tribal_galleries

When buying in Africa we use fair trade practice. All of our friends in villages as well as traders and artisans are paid market price in cash at the time of purchase.
For more information about Sidewalk Tribal Galleries please check the following links:
Sidewalk Tribal Galleries African Art
How old are these artefacts?
Our ethics policy
(We do have a new web site still under construction and it is taking a little time to launch. Our wonderful web designer is working into the nights to get it done. So thank you for your patience and may we suggest that you check again in a few weeks).

Please feel free to email me for further information: ann@sidewalkgallery.com.au

Check out my other items
Be sure to add me to your favourites list

Since its inception in 1989 Sidewalk Tribal has become a renowned Tribal Arts Gallery. Specialising in Antique & Traditional African Sculpture representing more than 85 separate cultures collected from 26 countries across Africa.

Ethnic jewellery and other items of adornment , both antique & contemporary, from every continent continues to astound all who enter the gallery.
The collection is spectacular.

Postage and handling

Item location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Posting to: Worldwide

Change country:	Postcode:

Postage and handling	To	Service	Estimated delivery*
AU $10.50	Australia	PrePaid Express Post Satchel 3kg	3-5 business days after seller receives cleared payment
AU $17.15	Australia	Regular	3-8 business days after seller receives cleared payment

*The estimated delivery time is based on the seller's handling time, the shipping service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment. Sellers are not responsible for postage service transit times. Transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods.

Domestic handling time	Postal insurance
Will usually post within 2 business days of receiving cleared payment.	Included (in the postage and handling cost)

Return policy

Item must be returned within

Refund will be given as

Return policy details

7 days after the buyer receives it

Money Back

Any defective product must be notified within 3 days upon receipt of shipment for exchange.
Shipping fees are non-refundable for all returned items.
Returned goods must be packaged in original packaging and carton.
An authorisation number is required on all returned packages. Please email us for a return number.
Products accepted for return that have been damaged through misuse, and/or have been tampered with do not qualify for a refund/exchange.

Refunds by law: In Australia, consumers have a legal right to obtain a refund from a business for goods purchased (but not at auction) if the goods are faulty, not fit for purpose or don't match description. More information at returns.

Payment details

Payment method	Preferred/Accepted	Buyer protection on eBay
	PayPal Preferred
Visa/MasterCard	Accepted
Bank Deposit	Accepted	Not Available

Seller's payment instructions

For shipping purposes please supply a phone number after your successful bid. Please show item number on all transactions and any communication. Email for reduced shipping rate on multiple items purchased.