Magnificent leopard - Benin (No reserve price)

Yoruba leopard in the style of the ancient Nigerian bronzes. The bronze leopards were meant to decorate the altars and usually 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 domestic animals. They were easy to tame and could even be kept on a leash. On very grand occasions, the Oba sacrificed a leopard—a custom that was observed until the early 20th century, during the Igue festival.