Grand Leopard Yoruba - Yoruba - Nigeria (No reserve price)

Benin bronze leopards are iconic sculptures from the Benin Kingdom, located in what is now the Edo region of Nigeria. Created using a lost-wax casting technique, these works of art demonstrate great craftsmanship and attention to detail. Often depicted in dynamic, lifelike poses, the leopards symbolize power, agility, and authority. Used in ceremonial and ornamental contexts, these bronzes adorned the royal palace and served as a testament to the status and grandeur of the Oba (king) of Benin.

Beyond their aesthetic value, the bronze leopards possess profound 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 now at the heart of discussions on the restitution of cultural heritage. Displayed in museums around the world, the bronze leopards continue to fascinate and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the artistic and historical legacy of the Kingdom of Benin.