53 - 2 Twin Figures "venavi"

2 Twin Figures "venavi" Ewe. Ghana / Togo Without base Wood. H 15.5–16.5 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Walu, Zurich. - Claudine Eichele (1952–2020), Brotte-lès-Luxeuil. - Claudine and Christoph Eichele (1952–2020 & 1949–2026), Brotte-lès-Luxeuil. - Eichele Community of Heirs. Whether blessed or cursed, twins appear in the myths, legends, and religious beliefs of many cultures as beings of special significance. Among the Ewe people of Ghana, Togo, and Benin, twins are also held in special reverence and are considered to possess supernatural powers. According to traditional Ewe beliefs, twins can bring their family happiness, health, and prosperity, but they can also cause misfortune and illness if they are not given the proper attention and care. They are therefore accorded a special status within the community. According to Ewe belief, twins share a common, inseparable soul. If one of the twins dies, the balance of this unity is disrupted, which can endanger the well-being of the survivor. To prevent this, a wooden figure called “venavi” (also “venovi”) is crafted and ritually consecrated. It serves as a symbolic dwelling place for the soul of the deceased twin, who can thus continue to participate in the family’s life. According to traditional belief, the well-being of the surviving twin also depends on the careful care and veneration of the venavi. The figure is treated like a living child—it is washed regularly, fed, clothed, and sometimes adorned with jewelry. If the second twin also dies, another figure may be crafted. The venavi remain in the family’s possession as representatives of the deceased and can be preserved and venerated across generations. Unlike the Yoruba “ere ibeji,” the Ewe venavi are often characterized by slimmer forms that more closely resemble human body proportions and arms carved free on the sides. Their design ranges from strictly stylized representations to expressive figures with carefully crafted hairstyles, jewelry, and occasionally contemporary clothing. The various regional styles and individual artistic styles of the carvers lend these small sculptures a remarkable artistic diversity. Further reading: - Simonis, Henricus (2008). Ewe. Twin Figures / Figures de Jumeaux / Zwillingsfiguren. Cologne: Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther König. - Rivière, Claude (1980). “La gémelléité chez les Eve du Togo.” In: Cultures et développement, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 81–122. -------------------------------- Claudine Eichele (1952–2020) and Christophe Eichele (1949–2026) As the daughter of René and Denise David, the founders of Galerie Walu in Basel, Claudine Eichele was familiar with non-European art from an early age. From 1970 to 1990, she worked full-time at the gallery and undertook several trips to Africa in the 1980s. She subsequently remained associated with the gallery on and off and on a part-time basis. Christophe Eichele worked as an independent entrepreneur and marketing specialist. In addition, he was involved for many years in fundraising and marketing for the Swiss aid organization Brücke · Le pont. The couple spent their retirement in Brotte, France, where the collection they had built together also found a home. CHF 100 / 200 Weight in grams: 126 Condition: Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to provide as comprehensive an impression as possible of its condition. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before placing a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. In addition, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be age- or use-related characteristics that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot differ in material respects from its catalog description, Hammer Auctions offers, within the scope of