BENIN LEOPARD HEAD HIP ORNAMENT 2
Photographs © Tim Hamill
BENIN, BRONZE LEOPARD HEAD HIP ORNAMENT 2, 8", $450,
Nigeria
The extraordinary bronzes of the Benin kingdom in what is now
Nigeria exhibit a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has astonished
the Western world since they were visited in the 15th Century. Their work
was brought to Europe following a punitive expedition by the British in
1897, causing a great sensation. The people of Benin, called Bini, are descended
from the Ife, also known for their remarkable bronzes. Almost all Benin
art was created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with
his ancestors, from the 15th century. Styles have changed over the years.
Although similar to many older works, these are all 20th C. pieces. Each
is still sculpted by hand, then cast in bronze by the lost wax process.
Bronze leopard heads, a royal icon, were often worn as hip or
waist ornaments by chiefs of all ranks, the king's were of ivory.
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