Twin Vinavi

          "Vinavi"it means twin." These statuettes called twins or dolls. Vinavi They represent deceased children and mothers wear them on their backs in the traditional manner of African mothers or place them on the altar of the priestess of the village or carefully keep them in their homes. Like the Ibedji, Vinavi are fed by their mothers and laid in bed at night, as they did during their lifetime. They are the subject of many attentions during travel. The cult of the Vinavi is intended to perpetuate the memory of the deceased twins. They are usually roughly carved figures, intended to appease the Trowo, jinn or lesser gods sent by Maw, the god creator, to take care of men. In some cases it is a simple bone, or a bone to which a human carved tablet has been added. These statuettes are sacralized in special ceremonies by the priest or specialist in the cult of the twins. But they don't always represent twins.

Twins are venerated in Togo, where there is a high percentage being in this country a symbol of luck. There is a belief that if forgotten, they could get angry and disturb the lives of the living. If they are honest, they ensure their protection against all kinds of dangers and bring healing from moral and physical evils and grant the desires that are formulated to them. The pinkish tone of some figures implies a sign of happiness.

Melize Figurine venavi coarsely carved.These small statues represent the deceased children, even if they are not twins, despite the name venavi The women wear them to attract good luck or leave them at the home of the priestess of the village who will place them on the altar. The pink patina means happiness.