Ere Ibeji c. 20th century

This Ere Ibeji was carved by a Yoruba artist using wood and pigment. You can really see the hand of the artist in the carving of this figure. The way the wood has been shaped and smoothed suggests a real intimacy with the material. I'm struck by the texture of the wood, especially around the face and the crown. You can almost feel the push and pull of the tool as the artist worked. The color is rich and warm, like dark honey. And then there's that crown, a bold splash of blue that feels so unexpected and yet so perfect. The way the artist has used these contrasting elements – the smooth wood, the rough texture, the warm tones, the cool blue – creates a sense of depth and complexity. It reminds me a little of work by Martín Ramírez, that similar use of line and form. Ultimately, art is about communication, and the Yoruba artist has created something here that speaks across time and cultures.