The Ibeji Cult of the Yoruba
The Yorubaland has the
highest twin birthrate in the world, about 45 out of every 1000 births
(4). Yoruba oral traditions say that twins, ibeji, can bring either joy or despair to their family. In earlier times,
twins were feared and infanticide was a common practice.
The Yoruba people could not understand why a woman gave birth to more than
one child.
However, over time the practice and beliefs changed. People began to praise
the twins and believed they could bring a family wealth. Through Yoruba oral
traditions we can try to recall the history of this tradition. Because of this
change in practice
and the high infant death rate, the people of Yoruba began to carve wooden
figures, ere ibeji. The figures are meant to honor the deceased twin or twins. Today, some
people in Yoruba still practice this tradition. However, it has been further
altered due to the strong presence of other religions
(1).