A hollow copper alloy cylinder shaped object. Along the sides in high relief are: Two chameleons, three leopards, and two frogs. Around the bottom, in low relief, is a serpent whose head extends up the side of the object and bites the frog. Another serpent in low relief is along the top rim, part of its body winds down the side, curves underneath one of the leopards and bites the second frog. The tails of the leopards curve up across their backs and touch their heads. A wooden peg has been embedded in an earth-like substance which fills the top of the object. A wooden plug has been inserted in the bottom of the object. Wooden plug in bottom, with tag reading, "Ratton/Paris."
Prior to 1975, provenance not yet documented; before 1975, reportedly Charles Ratton, Paris; by 1975, Merton D. Simpson Gallery, New York; 1975, purchased from Merton D. Simpson Gallery by the Brooklyn Museum.
Kaplan, Flora S., ed. Images of Power: Art of the Royal Court of Benin. New York, NY: New York University Press, 1981, cat. 62. Cf. Fagg, "Divine Kingship in Africa," (1970).