Benin and Owo belong in Nigeria to the three ‘sacred royal cities’ (Ife, Benin and Owo). Benin existed for nearly 1,000 years. In 1897, a 1,000-man strong military ‘punitive expedition’ of the British destroyed the flourishing Kingdom of Benin. Ife and Owo remained unharmed. All three royal cities still exist today, including their kings as respected ‘local authorities’. In these kingdoms, the prestigious use of ivory was restricted exclusively to the ‘Oba’ (king). And the ‘symbolic animal’ of the king (‘Oba’) was the leopard. The king always had tamed leopards and possessed many representations of ‘his’ animal. This explains that the present lidded box of ivory, with a leopard head as lid, is probably a very special object. The bronze objects from Benin, the king’s heads, figures and relief plaques, are unique and quite rightly world famous. For other objects (made of other material), however, the artistic styles of Benin and Owo are very similar to each other and difficult to differentiate. Therefore, it is difficult to state whether this ivory box originates from Benin or Owo. In any event, it is a masterful piece: the lower part is not completely rectangular-oval (fitting to the form of the head of the leopard lid), and has two recessed bowls inside – just as the lid displays two not quite equal recessions inside. The practical function of such a lidded box is also not completely clear. Was it a cosmetic container, a portable spice box, or something else? According to all features of the representation it is nevertheless certain that this piece originates from the house (or household) of an ‘Oba’ (king). Concerning its date: the ivory material displays, especially on the inside of the box, a yellowish-brown, honey-coloured discolouration (ivory darkens naturally over the course of time). On all of the surfaces, outside and inside, the object displays a fine, delicate and old craquelure, as well as a ‘soft’ worn, shiny usage patina.
It can therefore be assumed that this extraordinary piece can be dated to around 1900. That means in any case after the British ‘punitive expedition’ of 1897, that is, between the end of the 19th century and the first third of the 20th century. This lidded box with leopard head is in very good condition, with a slight crack and a minor break at the very top, as well as a few fine cracks on the underside. Otherwise no damage.
Dimensions: 6 cm x 13.2 cm x 6.2 cm.
Around 1900. (ME) ASA

Provenance:
Austrian private collection.

Lit.:
‘Benin. Könige und Rituale’ by Barbara Plankensteiner, ill. p. 42, 52, 54, 108, 244, 279, 344, 362, 388, 389, 432 (explanation of the importance of leopards at court and in the art of Benin).