Female figure with two children (maternity sculpture – possible mother of ibeji)

Title of the work: Female figure with two children (maternity sculpture – possible mother of ibeji)
Population of origin: Yoruba
Geographical area: Southwestern Nigeria
Date: 20th century (first half or mid-20th century)
Material: Carved wood, natural patina from handling and aging
Dimensions: h. 39 x 10 x 13 cm
Original function: Votive sculpture for fertility worship or protection of children. Possible reference to the mother of ibeji twins, in a ritual or commemorative context. Object of domestic devotion or belonging to a family altar.
In some variations, used in the cults of female Orishas such as Osun, protector of motherhood and water.
The simultaneous gesture of breastfeeding and carrying suggests the Yoruba ideal of the balanced and devoted mother, a bridge between generations and a spiritual guide.