Ewe Venavi statuette, Togo - Lot 145

Ewe Venavi statuette, Togo An evocation of a vanished twin, this African-feminine statuette has a light patina with faint color residues. Cracked base 16 x5 cm The Ewe, often confused with the Minas, are Togo's largest ethnic group. They are also found as minorities in Ghana, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria. Although little historical information is available about them, it seems that they settled in their current location as a result of invasions and conflicts that broke out during the 17th century. The Ewe consider the birth of twins called Venavi (or Venovi) to be a good omen. The twins are to be treated identically and fairly. 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 and contact a fetishist to activate its magical virtues. Source: "Isn't she a doll?" E.L Cameron