BENIN STYLE LEOPARDS ARCHIVES

The leopards below have been sold. They are left here for educational and reference purposes.

 

BENIN STYLE
Bronze Leopard 22
SOLD

BENIN Leopard 1 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 2 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 3 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 5 SOLD

BENIN Leopard 4 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 7 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 14 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 21 SOLD

BENIN Leopard 6 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 9 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 11 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 12 SOLD

BENIN Leopard 17 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 16 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 18 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 19 SOLD

BENIN Leopard 13 SOLD	BENIN Leopard 20   SOLD	BENIN Leopard Head 8 SOLD	BENIN Leopard Head 10 SOLD

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 Leopards, a royal icon, were often used as royal water vessels. Water was poured from the mouth over the Oba's hands in cleansing rituals. They were kept on royal altars.