Magnificent leopard - Yoruba - Nigeria (No reserve price)

Yoruba leopards in the ancient Nigerian earth style. The terracotta leopard figures were used to decorate altars and were usually paired.
Since they were used during libations and purification sacrifices, they were often given the shape 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 the occasion of great festivals, the Oba sacrificed a leopard — a custom that was observed until the early 20th century, during the Igue festival.