African Benin Bronze Royal Leopard 36

The ancient kingdom of Benin, in modern day Nigeria, was ruled by a King, known as the "Oba." The leopard was a potent symbol of the Oba's authority. Leopards were sometimes domesticated and kept by the king, leopards are the most frequent animal motif in Benin art, and killing a leopard meant a likely death sentence for anyone except the Oba and his retinue. This African bronze leopard from the Benin people of the Republic of Benin measures 5.5 inches tall and 5.25 inches from nose to tail. It is cast of bronze in the lost wax method. - FREE US SHIPPING