Benin Leopard Mask

Materials: Ivory, Lead. Dims: H18.5 x W10 x D4.4. Accession no: JB 008. Current Location: [The Hunt Museum](https://www.huntmuseum.com/), [Limerick](https://www.geonames.org/7778675/limerick-city.html). This lead and ivory head of a leopard is an Edo ceremonial costume attachment from the [royal court of of Benin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Benin), now incorporated into the modern [republic of Nigeria](http://www.geonames.org/2328926/federal-republic-of-nigeria.html). Much Benin art was looted following the violent Benin Expedition of 1897. The expedition was mounted to avenge the defeat by the Binis of a British invasion force that had violated Benin territory earlier in 1896. The number of Edo killed are unknown but acknowledged as very numerous. The story of Benin artwork is at the heart of an ongoing debate about cultural restitution. [Learn more about our research.](https://www.huntmuseum.com/explore/item/f5671099-babd-3639-a320-c3376506b347/?s%3Dbenin&pos=1) Source: Objaverse 1.0 / Sketchfab