A Benin bronze leopard, Nigeria, probably 19th century
£420
Auction: 24 June 2009 at 12:00 BST
Description
in standing position with outscrolling tail, the body entirely covered with concentric spots, dark green and copper patination
Dimensions
34cm wide, 22.5cm high, 7cm deep
Footnote
Note: Almost all Benin art was created to honor the king, or Oba, whose ancestral family has reigned since the 15th century.
Benin bronzes were brought to Europe following a punitive expedition by the British in 1897, and caused a great sensation.
Bronze Leopards were often used as royal water vessels - the water was poured from the mouth over the Oba's hands in cleansing rituals. They were kept on royal altars.
Like an ideal tribal leader, the leopard is revered for harmonizing the attributes of menace and temperance. The leopard also stands above life because like a leader, he has bestowed upon him the privilege of the 'right to kill'.