Magnificent leopard - Benin (No reserve price)

Yoruba leopard in the style of Nigeria’s ancient bronzes. Bronze leopards were intended to decorate altars and typically came in pairs. As they were used during libations and purification sacrifices, they were often given the form 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 very great occasions, the Oba sacrificed a leopard—a custom that was observed until the early 20th century, during the Igue festival.