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Leopard Aquamanile
Benin Kingdom, 18th century
The Minneapolis Institute of Art
“An aquamanile is an animal shaped vessel used in handwashing ceremonies. Leopards are an important symbol of the Oba or King who traces his ancestry back to Oba Ewuare the Great who reigned in the mid-1400’s. His special symbol was the leopard and he is also credited with the introduction of these bronze vessels which are used only by the Oba in a ritual honoring his paternal ancestors.”
