Leopard Aquamanile
This aquamanile depicts a leopard crouching, a posture that signifies his readiness to pounce. This example is unusual in that its head is detachable, allowing the vessel to be filled with water through the opening in the neck, which is decorated with a collar of coral beads. The liquid flows through an open space between the leopard's front teeth.
The leopard is the most common form of zoomorphic aquamanile made in Benin. Coined "king of the bush," it is one of the principal symbols of the Oba in Benin art, expressing his ferocious, aggressive nature. It is particularly associated the Oba Ewuare the Great, the legendary source of brass vessels in Benin.
The leopard is the most common form of zoomorphic aquamanile made in Benin. Coined "king of the bush," it is one of the principal symbols of the Oba in Benin art, expressing his ferocious, aggressive nature. It is particularly associated the Oba Ewuare the Great, the legendary source of brass vessels in Benin.
Artwork Details
- Title: Leopard Aquamanile
- Artist: Edo artist
- Date: 16th–19th century
- Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin
- Culture: Edo
- Medium: Brass
- Dimensions: H. 5 3/4 × W. 2 5/8 × D. 7 3/4 in. (14.6 × 6.7 × 19.7 cm)
- Classification: Metal-Containers
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991
- Object Number: 1991.17.58a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Edo artist
16th–19th century
Edo artist
1550–1680
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
Early 15th–mid-16th century
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
16th–17th century
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
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