An Uzokpo (lidded bowls) bronze leopard container

An Uzokpo (lidded bowls) bronze leopard container for kola nuts or for storing regalia or ritual items. Often decorated and important in court life. Nigeria, high aged, signs of use and greenish oxidised patina.

In Benin culture, the leopard symbolizes royal authority and the Oba's (king's) power. Leopard imagery was exclusive to the Oba and high-ranking officials, underscoring its association with sovereignty and divinity. Everyday items such as aquamaniles, bells or cola nut cans like this one were used in ceremonial contexts, possibly for ritual handwashing or libations, reinforcing the Oba's connection to the spiritual realm.

In Benin court symbolism, the leopard was the animal of the Oba. Like the Oba, the leopard was a master of control and power. While the Oba was considered the "king of men," the leopard was the "king of beasts." Therefore, it was depicted in many forms, both as art objects and as part of everyday objects.

Can be carved from wood, sometimes with brass sheeting applied to the exterior or cast in brass. The highly decorated aspect of the Uzokpo suggests they would have been used by the royal court, chiefs and dukes. Unlike boxes, Uzokpo are distinguished by the curved convex bottom and top halves. Similar to some boxes, one use for lidded bowls may have been to hold kola nuts (Roth 1903, fig.11) Source Digital Benin.

Price on request.

Height: 21 cm
Weight: 1,8 kg