Big deer head - Yoruba - Nigeria (No reserve price)

Magnificent bronze deer heads from Benin are emblematic sculptures of the Benin Kingdom, located in the current Edo region of Nigeria. Made using the lost-wax casting technique, these works reveal superb artisanal mastery 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 hold a deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are associated with royalty and protection, embodying the strength and nobility of the Oba. PIllaged 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 heritage. 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 Benin Kingdom.