Leopard Pendant 17th-18th century

This Leopard Pendant was created by an artist from Benin. The ivory's warm tones and intricate carving give it a tactile presence. The symmetrical arrangement of circles, suggestive of a leopard's spots, contrasts with the vertical lines that form the eyes and stylized whiskers. The pendant's structure is a study in controlled geometry, the artist employed the concept of repetition to construct the overall image. The circles, uniformly spaced, create a rhythm that draws the eye across the surface, while the elongated shapes of the eyes introduce a focal point, thereby disrupting the pattern, and creating tension within the composition. The contrast between organic and geometric forms raises questions about representation and symbolism. Does the pendant aim to capture the essence of the leopard, or to convey a deeper message about power, status and the natural world? The piece prompts us to consider how cultural artifacts embody and transmit meaning. It encourages us to look closely at the structures that organize our visual experience.