Leopard - ife - Benin (No reserve price)
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Bronze Leopard sculpture from Benin, 40 cm high, 34 cm wide, 30 cm deep, dating to 2000–2010, in good condition, titled Léopard, sold without a stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Leopard Royal - Bini Edo - Benin - Benin Bronzes
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.
The 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 a form of aquamanile.
In the past, leopards were part of the palace pets. They were easy to tame and could even be kept on a leash.
On the occasion of very great celebrations, the Oba sacrificed a leopard — a custom that was observed until the early 20th century, during the Igue festival.
Leopard Royal - Bini Edo - Benin - Benin Bronzes
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.
The 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 a form of aquamanile.
In the past, leopards were part of the palace pets. They were easy to tame and could even be kept on a leash.
On the occasion of very great celebrations, the Oba sacrificed a leopard — a custom that was observed until the early 20th century, during the Igue festival.
Details
Indigenous object name
ife
Country of Origin
Benin
Period
2000-2010
Material
Bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Leopard
Height
40 cm
Width
34 cm
Depth
30 cm
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