Ẹkpẹn (leopard figures) are widely featured in Benin arts. In Benin, leopards are considered the king of the forest and as such seen as a symbol of authority. The leopard is a royal symbol of kingship because it embodies the qualities of courage, strength, ferocity and wisdom. Leopards were hunted by Iviekpen.

In Edo, leopards are described as the ‘king of the bush’, whereas the Ọba is the ‘king of the home’. Although ferocious, leopards are seen as natural leaders, as powerful animals with qualities of moderation and restraint (Ben-Amos, 1976, p.247

). Therefore, the Ọba is seen as similar to the leopard, and when depicted on objects or as objects, the leopard symbolises the Ọba. As such, the Ọba is sometimes referred to as the ‘leopard of the house’ (Vogel, 1978, p.93

Ẹkpẹn

Leopard Figure

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The British Museum’s archives are held in various locations across the institution. The items listed here aim to give an overview of the main locations where relevant archival and photographic material relating to objects from the Kingdom of Benin is housed. Key areas relevant for cultural objects from the Kingdom of Benin are: Corporate Archives; Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas archives; Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory archives; and the Anthropology Library and Research Centre.

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Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas 

Online Catalogue

Library & Archive

British Museum

Internal Data (eng)

British Museum link

Smith, Philip Creasey

Donor

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