BENIN STYLE LEOPARD HEAD HIP ORNAMENTS

All of our Benin heads have been sold and can be seen on our Benin Leopard Heads archives page. They are left here and there for reference and educational purposes.

  

BENIN STYLE
Leopard Head 2
8" high
SOLD

BENIN STYLE
Leopard Head 3
7.5" high
SOLD

 

BENIN STYLE
Bronze
Leopards 2
Catalog

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

BENIN STYLE BRONZE LEOPARD HEAD HIP ORNAMENTS, Nigeria

Old Benin bronzes are very rare. Although similar to many older works, these are all 20th C. pieces and made to be sold.

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. Old Benin bronzes are very rare. Despite their appearance, these are all 20th C. pieces and were probably made to be sold.

GO TO BENIN ART PAGE

GO TO BENIN LEOPARDS PAGE 2

GO TO BENIN LEOPARDS PAGE (ALL SOLD)

GO TO BENIN FIGURES PAGE

GO TO BENIN HEADS PAGE

GO TO BENIN PLAQUES PAGE

GO TO METALWORKS PAGE

GO TO METALWORKS EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO METALWORKS EXHIBITION PAGE 2

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