Hip pendant of cast brass inlaid with iron, in the form of the head of a leopard, a symbol of Benin Kingship: West Africa, Nigeria, Edo State, Benin, 19th century
WEST AFRICA. SOUTHERN NIGERIA. BENIN. IRONWORK, BRASS-WORK, MASK - PENDANT a grotesqe leopard head, with protruding teeth and tongue: upstanding ears: ruff-like beard: pupils of eyes of iron. Benin, West Africa, Midwestern State. Wider World Gallery Label Text, 2001: Hip Ornament. Nigeria. Benin. Nineteenth century. Cast brass leopard's head, inlaid with iron. Worn on the belt or at the hip. (See hornblower figure nearby). The leopard is a symbol of kingship in Benin, and ornaments depicting leopards could only be worn by the oba, or by chiefs of high rank. Given in memory of Lady Handyside's husband.