Ewe Venavi statuette, Togo - Lot 86

Ewe Venavi statuette, Togo The Ewe consider the birth of twins called Venavi (or Venovi) as a good and happy omen. Both twins are to be treated identically and equally. For example, both will be fed and washed at the same time, and will wear the same clothes until they reach puberty. If one of the twins dies, the parents buy a statuette to replace the deceased child. They usually buy it from a sculptor on the market and ask a sorcerer to activate its magical virtues. The Venavi statuette will be of the same sex as the child it represents and replaces, but will project itself into the future that the child will not have known by displaying adult features. The presence of scarification marks, small garments and pearls testifies to the child's family affiliation. The piece here is carved from light-colored wood and has an attractive worn patina. The Venavi are the Togolese counterpart to the Yoruba Ibedji of Nigeria. In fact, their functions and representations are identical. 29 x 10 cm