Superb royal leopard - Bini / Edo - Nigeria (No reserve price)

Leopard Royal - Bini Edo - Benin - Bronzes of Benin
The Kingdom of Benin, south of present-day Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes and ivory sculptures.
These works constitute one of the greatest treasures of humanity and are among the masterpieces of museums around the world.

The Oba's palace, where the magnificent royal sanctuaries were located, was considered the center of the capital and the kingdom.

Benin art is undoubtedly royal art.
Its management was carried out by one of the three ruling orders, Iwebo (the other two being Iweguae and Ibiwe).
This order was responsible for the jewelry and personal effects of the king.

Many guilds of artisans were affiliated with this order. They mainly worked for the king and could only undertake commissions for other clients with royal authorization.
The bronze founders, ivory sculptors, weavers, tailors, and leather artisans are some of the guilds led by the Iwebo.

Bronze leopards were intended to decorate the altars and usually came in pairs.
Since they were used during libations and purification sacrifices, they were often given the shape of an aquamanile.

In the past, leopards were among the palace pets. They were easy to tame and could even be kept on a leash.
On the occasion of very great festivals, the Oba would sacrifice a leopard — a custom that was observed until the early 20th century, during the Igue festival.