Leopard Aquamanile
Edo artist
16th–19th century · Brass · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Probably influenced by European examples, aquamaniles in the shape of animals are among the brass works cast in Benin. Like their European counterparts, aquamaniles cast in Benin are used, as their name suggests, for washing the hands. After dressing for Ugie Erha Oba, the ceremony that honors his paternal ancestors, the Oba washes his hands with water poured from an aquamanile in the form of a leopard, such as this one. It has a small, round, hinged opening at the top of the head through which is can be filled with water, which is then poured out through the pierced nostrils. The tail, arching over the back, serves as a handle.
- Artist
- Edo artist
- Date
- 16th–19th century
- Medium
- Brass
- Culture
- Edo
- Department
- Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991
