Large Leopard Mask - Yoruba - Nigeria
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Grand Masque léopard, a bronze leopard mask of Yoruba origin from Nigeria, a reproduction in good condition, 24 cm high by 21 cm wide, from a private collection and sold without a stand.
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Description from the seller
Bronze leopard masks from Benin are iconic sculptures of the Kingdom of Benin, located in the present-day Edo region of Nigeria. Made using the lost-wax casting technique, these artworks reveal great craftsmanship and attention to detail. The leopards, often depicted in dynamic and realistic poses, symbolize power, agility, and authority. Used in ceremonial and ornamental contexts, these bronzes adorned the royal palace and testified to the status and grandeur of the Oba (king) of Benin.
Beyond their aesthetic value, the bronze leopards possess a deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are associated with kingship and protection, embodying the strength and nobility of the Oba. Looted by British colonial forces at the end of the 19th century, these precious objects are today at the center of discussions about the restitution of cultural patrimony. Displayed in museums around the world, the bronze leopards continue to fascinate and remind us of the importance of preserving the artistic and historical heritage of the Kingdom of Benin.
Bronze leopard masks from Benin are iconic sculptures of the Kingdom of Benin, located in the present-day Edo region of Nigeria. Made using the lost-wax casting technique, these artworks reveal great craftsmanship and attention to detail. The leopards, often depicted in dynamic and realistic poses, symbolize power, agility, and authority. Used in ceremonial and ornamental contexts, these bronzes adorned the royal palace and testified to the status and grandeur of the Oba (king) of Benin.
Beyond their aesthetic value, the bronze leopards possess a deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are associated with kingship and protection, embodying the strength and nobility of the Oba. Looted by British colonial forces at the end of the 19th century, these precious objects are today at the center of discussions about the restitution of cultural patrimony. Displayed in museums around the world, the bronze leopards continue to fascinate and remind us of the importance of preserving the artistic and historical heritage of the Kingdom of Benin.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Yoruba
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Material
Bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Large Leopard Mask
Height
24 cm
Width
21 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Reproduction/replica
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