Bronze leopard symbols of power from Benin City / Nigeria
The leopard is a motif that occurs throughout many of the Benin Bronzes, because it is the animal that symbolizes the Oba (or King) of royal and regal power.
For the Benin people, the leopard is a mighty and powerful royal animal, which rules the savanna as the king rules over his people. It also serves as a symbol of justice.
Aquamanile in the shape of a leopard was the sole property of the Oba - the leopard was the royal animal.
the bronze leopards always been placed by both side of the seat where the king Oba is sitting when he want to address his subjects.
The leopard is a motif that occurs throughout many of the Benin Bronzes, because it is the animal that symbolizes the Oba (or King) of royal and regal power.
For the Benin people, the leopard is a mighty and powerful royal animal, which rules the savanna as the king rules over his people. It also serves as a symbol of justice.
Aquamanile in the shape of a leopard was the sole property of the Oba - the leopard was the royal animal.
the bronze leopards always been placed by both side of the seat where the king Oba is sitting when he want to address his subjects.