ere ibeji Wood, glass beads height 10 1/2in (26.7cm) Provenance Anne and Jacques Kerchache, Paris Galerie Flak, Paris French Private Collection This beautiful carving of an ere ibeji from the Dahomey Region is a splendid example of the naturalistic style of carving from this region. An incised coiffure elegantly crowns the spherical head with rounded facial features comprising coffee-bean eyes with heavy lids, naturalistic nose and full lips. The face is further beautified with incised scarification on the forehead and cheeks. Her shoulders are squared, bordering full, conical breasts indicating confidence; the arms at her sides, away from her torso, with her hands tucked under and resting on her hips; each rounded leg with proportionally large feet (the right now missing) with toes defined, firmly on a round base; rich, dark brown reflective patina showing much use.