The art of Benin is the product of an urban royal
court, and is meant to symbolize and to extol the
power, mystique, grandeur, continuity, and
endurance of the ruling dynasty. The Kingdom of
Benin was ruled by the Oba, a divine leader at
the head of the political system. As the office of
the Oba became increasingly ceremonial, the art
produced evolved into an instrument of the state.
This charming bronze sculpture takes the form
of a leopard’s head, replete with whiskers and
pointed fangs. Big cats have traditionally
symbolized political power and authoritative rule
from the jungles of Mesoamerica to the deserts
of the Middle East. Much as jaguars and lions
dominate their respective terrains, likewise the
king, who associates himself with these great
beasts, rules his kingdom without challenge.
The leopard naturally symbolized the strength
and ferocity of the Oba and served as the royal
animal, thus any object depicting a leopard was
reserved for the Oba or the closest members of
his court. This bronze head served as an
aquamanile, a type of water vessel introduced
into Africa by European traders. Originally, a lid
would have been attached to the hinge along the
rim of the hole in the center of the top of the
head. When filled with water and tipped
downwards, water would have flowed through
the holes in the nostrils unto the hands of the
Oba for ceremonial cleansing. When not used in
rituals, the work would have rested with other
pieces of royal paraphernalia in the courtyard of
the Oba’s palace. While this aquamanile served a
practical purpose, the refined beauty of the
casting and the symbolism of the leopard imbue
the piece with a power and grace befitting the
mighty animal it honors.
- (PF.6286)
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