Ewe figurine - Figure - Togo






Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
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Description from the seller
The Ewe people are probably the largest in Togo. However, they are also found in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria and Ghana. Their cults and religions have many similarities with the Yoruba and Fon. For example, they practice voodoo. Their current location is believed to be the result of conflicts in the 17th century. The Ewe attach great importance to twins, and name newborn twins Venavi or Venovi. According to them, this birth heralds good things. Twins should be treated equally, dressed identically and fed and washed at the same time, until they reach puberty. If one of them dies, the parents must provide themselves with a statuette representing him or her, of the same sex, with adult features. In this way, the statuette projects the child into the future. The parents must also call upon a fetishist.
Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
Seller's Story
The Ewe people are probably the largest in Togo. However, they are also found in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria and Ghana. Their cults and religions have many similarities with the Yoruba and Fon. For example, they practice voodoo. Their current location is believed to be the result of conflicts in the 17th century. The Ewe attach great importance to twins, and name newborn twins Venavi or Venovi. According to them, this birth heralds good things. Twins should be treated equally, dressed identically and fed and washed at the same time, until they reach puberty. If one of them dies, the parents must provide themselves with a statuette representing him or her, of the same sex, with adult features. In this way, the statuette projects the child into the future. The parents must also call upon a fetishist.
Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
