Leopard 1550 - 1680

This bronze sculpture of a leopard was created by an Edo artist in what is now modern-day Nigeria. The Kingdom of Benin, where this sculpture originates, had strict rules around bronze casting, where only certain guilds could produce bronze objects for the Oba, or King, and his court. Leopards were powerful symbols in Benin, embodying the authority and strength of the Oba. Often, the King kept leopards as pets, using them in rituals to highlight his dominion over the natural world. The Oba's power was further expressed in the sculptures themselves, which were displayed prominently to reinforce the King's divine right to rule. Note how the sculpture maintains a regal and dignified posture, emphasizing the connection between the animal and the King. The intricate patterns and attention to detail on the leopard’s coat reflect the wealth and sophistication of the Benin court, illustrating the intertwined relationship between art, power, and identity.