ife - Benin (No reserve price)
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Leopard Royal, a bronze sculpture from Benin in the Bini Edo tradition, 15 cm high and 14 cm wide, original and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Leopard Royal - Benin Bronzes
Benin Kingdom - Benin Bronzes of Benin
The Kingdom of Benin, in the south of present-day Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes and ivory carvings.
These works constitute one of humanity's greatest treasures and are among the master pieces of museums worldwide.
The Oba's palace, where the sumptuous royal sanctuaries were located, was considered the center of the capital and of the kingdom.
Benin art is undeniably royal art. Its encadrement was the responsibility of one of the three ruling orders, Iwebo (the other two being Iweguae and Ibiwe). This order was responsible for the king's adornments and personal effects.
Many artisan guilds were affiliated with this order. They worked mainly for the king and could only undertake commissions for other clients with royal authorization.
Bronze founders, ivory sculptors, weavers, tailors, and leather artisans are some of the guilds led by the Iwebo.
The bronze leopards were destined to decorate altars and usually came in pairs. As they were used in libations and purification rites, they were often given a form resembling 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 celebrations, the Oba sacrificed a leopard — a custom which was observed until the early 20th century, during the Igue festival.
Leopard Royal - Benin Bronzes
Benin Kingdom - Benin Bronzes of Benin
The Kingdom of Benin, in the south of present-day Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes and ivory carvings.
These works constitute one of humanity's greatest treasures and are among the master pieces of museums worldwide.
The Oba's palace, where the sumptuous royal sanctuaries were located, was considered the center of the capital and of the kingdom.
Benin art is undeniably royal art. Its encadrement was the responsibility of one of the three ruling orders, Iwebo (the other two being Iweguae and Ibiwe). This order was responsible for the king's adornments and personal effects.
Many artisan guilds were affiliated with this order. They worked mainly for the king and could only undertake commissions for other clients with royal authorization.
Bronze founders, ivory sculptors, weavers, tailors, and leather artisans are some of the guilds led by the Iwebo.
The bronze leopards were destined to decorate altars and usually came in pairs. As they were used in libations and purification rites, they were often given a form resembling 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 celebrations, the Oba sacrificed a leopard — a custom which was observed until the early 20th century, during the Igue festival.
Details
Indigenous object name
ife
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Benin
Material
Bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
15 cm
Width
14 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
