Great leopard mask, Yoruba - Yoruba - Nigeria (No reserve price)

The bronze leopards of Benin are emblematic sculptures of the Benin Kingdom, located in the present-day Edo region of Nigeria. Made with the lost-wax casting technique, these works reveal great artisanal mastery and attention to detail. 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 royalty 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 on the restitution of cultural heritage. Displayed in museums around the world, the bronze leopards continue to fascinate and to remind us of the importance of preserving the artistic and historical heritage of the Benin Kingdom.