Royal Leopard
Bini O Edo (Benin) · Nigeria
Reference: MRF-20
View 1 of 22 · Press the image to enlarge
- Material
- Ivory and nails.
In bronze or ivory, leopard is an attribute of royalty, only the king can use this symbol, which represents strength, agility, beauty and intelligence. It is…
Enquire about this objectPhotographs (22)
Full original description
In bronze or ivory, leopard is an attribute of royalty, only the king can use this symbol, which represents strength, agility, beauty and intelligence. It is the royal animal par excellence. 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.
This magnificent leopard is apparently a pair of another in London. Old honey patina.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Century XIX
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.
Google Maps is loaded only when you press the button.
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.
