Historical information

This is a rare and hazardous obstetric complication, occurring approximately once every 90000 deliveries. It usually results in a low survival rate for the twin that presents first, with a stillborn rate over 50%.

This piece is believed to be from South America, and is either from Colombia or Peru.

Physical description

Ceramic childbirth scene with three figures. At centre, a woman lies on a table giving birth. A figure wearing a hat stands to her right, resting their hand on her upper chest in a gesture of support. On her left, a gloved man with receding hairline and a moustache is leaning over her abdomen and is extracting two babies from her womb.