Ibeji

The Sacred Twins

The Yoruba have one of the highest rates of twin births in the world, and twins (ibeji) are considered sacred. The Orishas Ibeji protect all twins and embody the spiritual significance of duality.

Taiwo and Kehinde

The first-born twin is called Taiwo ('taste the world first'), while the second is Kehinde ('arrive last'). Despite being born first, Taiwo is considered the younger twin—Kehinde sent Taiwo ahead to test whether the world was good.

Ere Ibeji

If a twin dies, a carved wooden figure (ere ibeji) is made to house the departed twin's spirit. The surviving twin and parents care for this figure as if it were alive.