The Yoruba have one of the highest rates of twin births in the world. Twins are believed to share the same soul and are generally considered to be a great blessing. They bring success to their family and cause harm to those who do not show proper respect. The mother will sometimes dance with them in public. Twins receive gifts and special meals, and enjoy much freedom during childhood.

Twins retain their power even after their death, and if one or both dies, the mother has a carver make a figure that serves to embody the spirit of the deceased twin. The mother treats it with the attention and respect any living twin deserves. She carries it with her, dances with it, feeds it, and adorns it with beads, cowrie shells and expensive cloth.