Royal Leopard
Bini O Edo (Benin) · Nigeria
Reference: BRN-3
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- Height
- 20 cm
- Material
- Bronze
The leopard was the royal animal par excellence and all the leopard figures, in bronze or ivory, were the exclusive property of the Oba. This animal…
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Full original description
The leopard was the royal animal par excellence and all the leopard figures, in bronze or ivory, were the exclusive property of the Oba. This animal represents strength, agility, beauty and intelligence. The use of leopard in processions and public events as well as its popular cult seems to come from the Oba Ewuare (1470-1473), with which the golden century of Benin begins, since the day he killed a leopard who was on the branch of the tree under which the nap slept. From this date the ceremony of the sacrifice of the leopard is held annually, whose skin adorns kings, notables and military chiefs.
It is also said that the origin of this custom seems to be found in a legend about the creation of the kingdom of Benin, according to which it would be the result of the union of the princess Aligbonudaughter of the Yoruba king of Allada (Benin) and panther Agasu who he found fortuitously in a forest while he was gathering firewood.
Further technical information
- Width
- 27 cm
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or last third
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Nigeria. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
