A Bronze sculpture in the style of Benin, Nigeria, in shape of a a snail shell delicately ornamented with geometric frieze and snail like shape, surmounted by a panther standing on its four legs, elongated body, tail touching the neck, a large rounded head with bulging eyes, a patterned back; traces of use and oxidation. Certificate of provenance. "As with most early state foundations, Benin's beginnings are mythical. Edo traditions consider the founding of their state to be a work of God, whom they call Osanobua. Osamobua sent his sons to live on earth. They were allowed to take something useful with them on the trip of their own choosing. Everyone chose qualities and things for themselves, such as magic and wealth, that they thought would continue to serve them well on earth. But the youngest, on the advice of a bird, took with him a snail shell that initially seemed useless. As they descended to earth, Osanobua's sons were dismayed to find that it was flooded. All the selected souvenirs from heaven (Iso) were unusable for the stay on earth (Agbo). Then the bird ordered the youngest son to turn over the snail shell he had brought with him. When he followed the advice, an endless mass of sand flowed out, which then rose above the water and formed a huge expanse of land. So the youngest son of Osanobua became ruler over the entire earth. His brothers had to rent or buy land from him in order to found new states themselves." Source: Armand Duchateau, Benin, Kunst einer afrikanischen Königskultur, Presel, München n, New York, page 9 Paula Ben Amos, The Art of Benin, london 1980. Mechthilds Jungwirtsh, Benin in the years 1485-1700. " In ancient times, it was said that tamped leopards were seen walking around the place of the Oba of Benin. The tamed cats only have one lord: the Oma Himself, who talks and commands them at will. As "king of the forest", his reputation is as great as that of the Oba. Killing a leopard was a privilege of the Oba, who had his association of leopard hunters equipped with "special powers" which enabled them to kill these animals without losing their own lives. The killing of this privilege animal is a crime for every other hunter in the Kingdom. Tamed leopards (last photo sequence) would be seen walking behind the Oba during coronation and major festivals in the Benin Kingdom. The leopard symbolized the Oba's authority, the loyalty fo his subjects, and high status. How the leopard came to be a royal symbol, however, is a subject fo debate. In on e famous myth, the leopard is heralded for the balance between his strength and his reserve, and moderation as a leader. The leopard symbolizes the complete harmony between two compelling forces - the menacing and the moderating - that, in Benin, it is believed every ideal Oba should possess. The Oba himself has a moniker as the "home leopard" this making him a lord at home and in the forest." Source Oludamola Adebowale, 2020. TL analysis available on request.