20th Century African Benin Bronze Leopard Aquamanile

Item Details

Edo, Court of Benin, Nigeria
Untitled, 20th century
Brass sculpture
Unmarked

A 20th century Benin bronze (technically cast brass) aquamanile in the form of a leopard. The ceremonial leopard ewer stands upright with his curled tail to be used as a handle and his mouth slightly agape to show teeth, fangs, and protruding tongue. The bronze has an overall raised and stylized circular pattern representing the animals fur.

In the Benin culture (present day Nigeria, Africa), leopards were considered the king of the forest and the ewers were used to pour water during ceremonies.

Condition

— all present conditions are consistent and typical for African art and antiquities.

Dimensions

Item #

ITMG073715