Late 20th Century African Benin Leopard Sculpture

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This extraordinary leopard is considered a royal icon among the people of Benin in Nigeria. The leopard is a strong … Read more This extraordinary leopard is considered a royal icon among the people of Benin in Nigeria. The leopard is a strong symbol for the strength, danger, elegance and power of the Benin king.
Sculptures from Benin are considered one of the most valuable cultural treasures of Africa. They are characterized by a masterful casting technique and an unusually sensitive realism.

Almost all Benin art was created to honour the king. Leopards were often used as royal water vessels. Water was poured from the mouth over the hands of the king in cleansing rituals. They were kept on royal altars. Some of them were used as gift from the king to members of society who had done something special.

The Benin leopards are a group of several thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin in what is now Nigeria.

For the Benin people, the leopard is a mighty and powerful royal animal, which rules the savanna as the king rules over his people. It also serves as a symbol of justice. The details of this statue is magnificent, the detail in the spirals on the leopards back are stunning. This leopard is made using the "lost wax" method, where the mold is lost during the casting process. Therefore, they are unique pieces. Due to the primitive process the object can shows some casting flaws, which gives it extra charm. The leopard has a beautiful brown patina. See less