Bronze Leopard Pair – Al & Alice

Description

The Bronze Benin Leopards from Nigeria are iconic sculptures from the ancient Kingdom of Benin, which is in modern-day southern Nigeria. Crafted by Edo artisans, these bronze figures represent leopards, revered in Benin culture as symbols of royal power, strength, and authority. Leopards were considered the animals of the Oba, or king, often seen as embodying the Oba’s traits in Benin society.

These sculptures, created using the sophisticated lost-wax casting technique, showcase the high level of artistry and technical skill in Benin’s metalwork. The leopards are typically depicted in a naturalistic style with intricate details, sometimes in a seated or crouching posture, featuring raised spots to symbolize their fur pattern. They would often be placed at the entrance of the Oba’s palace or near his throne as a reminder of his power and his role as a protector.

The Benin Bronzes, including the leopards, were largely looted during the British Punitive Expedition of 1897 and are now dispersed in museums and collections around the world. Today, they remain among the most celebrated examples of African art, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the Benin Kingdom.