Ife - Benin (No reserve price)

The Leopard Plaque of Benin
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 humanity’s greatest treasures and are among the master pieces of museums around the world.

The Oba’s palace, where the sumptuous royal shrines stood, was regarded as the center of the capital and of the kingdom.

Benin art is undeniably royal art. Its framework was overseen by one of the three ruling orders, Iwebo (the other two being Iweguae and Ibiwe).
This order was responsible for the adornments and personal effects of the king.

Many artisan fraternities were affiliated with this order. They primarily worked for the king and could only undertake commissions for other clients with royal authorization.
Bronze founders, ivory sculptors, weavers, tailors, and leather artisans are among the fraternities led by the Iwebo.

Bronze leopards were intended to decorate altars and typically came in pairs.
Since they were used in libations and purification sacrifices, they were often given a form of an aquamanile.

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