Two royal leopards from Benin.
Bini/Edo ethnic group
Circa 1940
Height: 40 cm - Width: 57 cm - Depth: 12 cm - Weight: 10 kg
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The bronze leopards were intended to decorate altars and usually came in pairs.
As they were used during libations and purification sacrifices, they were often given the form of aquamanile.
In the past, leopards were among the domestic animals of palaces. They were easy to tame and could even be kept on a leash.
On the occasion of very large festivals, the Oba sacrificed a leopard - a custom that was respected until the beginning of the 20th century, during the Igue festival.
Two royal leopards from Benin.
Bini/Edo ethnic group
Circa 1940
Height: 40 cm - Width: 57 cm - Depth: 12 cm - Weight: 10 kg
--------------------------
The bronze leopards were intended to decorate altars and usually came in pairs.
As they were used during libations and purification sacrifices, they were often given the form of aquamanile.
In the past, leopards were among the domestic animals of palaces. They were easy to tame and could even be kept on a leash.
On the occasion of very large festivals, the Oba sacrificed a leopard - a custom that was respected until the beginning of the 20th century, during the Igue festival.