Benin Bronze Leopard

This Benin Bronze leopard represents the royal animal of the Benin Kingdom, where only the Oba could own or display leopard imagery. Cast around 1600 CE from brass with copper spots, the life-size figure demonstrates Benin artists' ability to render animal subjects with naturalistic detail. Leopards flanked the Oba's throne, symbolizing his power over life and death.

The spots are inlaid copper, a technically demanding addition requiring separate casting and careful fitting. Aquamanile (water vessels) in leopard form were used in court rituals, pouring water over the Oba's hands. The kingdom maintained royal leopard houses, keeping live animals as symbols of sovereignty.

British forces took this leopard during the 1897 expedition. It now sits at the British Museum.