The Leopard Hip Pendant isn't just a piece of jewelry; it's a whisper of a bygone era, a symbol etched in brass that speaks volumes about the ancient Benin Kingdom. Forget intricate descriptions – let's delve into its significance.
Imagine a warrior, not just armed, but adorned with a badge of power that jingled with each stride. This wasn't mere decoration; it was a declaration. The pendant, cast in gleaming brass, wasn't just impressive – it was a potent symbol. A fierce leopard head, with its distinct leaf-shaped ears and geometric whiskers, held the kingdom's secrets within its gaze. Copper accents, like tiny leopard spots, added a touch of royal flair. But the real intrigue lay beneath – small metal bells hung like silent roars, waiting to be unleashed in the heat of battle.
Beyond aesthetics, the pendant served a practical purpose. It doubled as a belt clasp, securing the warriors' kilts. But its true power resided in its symbolism. The leopard, or "Ekpen," embodied the strength, cunning, and divine authority of the Oba, the revered king. By wearing this emblem, warriors weren't just soldiers; they were extensions of the king's might, a fearsome display on the battlefield.
The right to wear the Leopard Hip Pendant wasn't for everyone. Only the Oba held the power to bestow this symbol. Warriors who earned his favor donned it not just for battle prowess, but also as a mark of safe passage.
In the Benin Kingdom, the leopard was valued both for its ferociousness and its intelligence. This powerful royal symbol was associated with the Oba (king) and the most powerful members of his court. Pendants like this were worn around the waist and helped identify an individual’s rank within the court. The right to wear a leopard hip pendant was only granted to a few special members of the king’s court, often warriors.
This pendant features leopard characteristics that are specific to Edo artists such as leaf-shaped ears, overlapping fangs, large eyes, and geometric whiskers. By placing copper tacks inside the mold before casting the pendant, the artist highlights and differentiates the leopard’s spots. The small metal bells attached to the lower edge of the leopard’s collar add a sound-making component to this ceremonial object.
Sadly, the roar of this pendant was eventually silenced. Created sometime between the 17th and 18th centuries, it witnessed the opulence of the Oba's court, where even leopards roamed freely. However, the destruction of Benin in 1897 led to the looting of many treasures, including the pendant.
Today, it resides in the North Carolina Museum of Art,
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