Bronze Benin Leopard mask

The Bini people of the Kingdom of Benin live in southern Nigeria. They are celebrated for their remarkable bronze artwork. Benin art was created to honour the king, or Oba, who has reigned with his ancestors since the 15th century. Although artistic styles have evolved over time, 20th-century pieces still adhere to the traditional methods of hand sculpting and bronze casting using the lost-wax process.

Bronze leopard heads, a prominent royal symbol, are worn as hip or waist ornaments by chiefs of various ranks.