Scroll down for everything you need to know about this piece: dimensions, sustainability and more
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Everything you need to know
This is a large standing Benin Leopard made from bronze. This bronze sculpture has been handcrafted with care by our craftsmen and women in Java, Indonesia.
Our inspiration
The Benin people of Nigeria believe that the Benin leopard is a symbol of Justice as well as a powerful beast that has royal qualities. Similarly, the leopard is thought to reign over the Savannah as a king does over his subjects.
About the collection
We looked to Alkebulan as our inspiration for this collection. Alkebulan translates to Ancient Africa. In Alkebulan, many craftsmen translated the surroundings, people and animals they worshipped into gorgeous design objects. It was customary to depict famous figures in bronze figurines. One of them was the ONI Queen, an important figure for the Yoruba people. Another example is the Benin Leopard, seen as a majestic and powerful creature.
Dimensions of the leopard
Height: 40 cm / 16 inches
Length: 40 cm / 16 inches
Width: 11 cm / 4.3 inches
Weight: 2.5 kg / 5.5 pounds
This is a modern production
Sustainability
Our bronze sculptures, including this large standing Benin Leopard, are made from upcycled metals such as old pipelines. After the scrap waste has been collected, our craftsmen and women put it into an oven at very high temperatures. Next, once the scrap waste has melted down to a smooth consistency, the new raw material is ready to be used. We then use this virgin material to create our bronze sculptures. The reason we use recycled bronze waste to create our sculptures is because bronze is a very eco and labour intensive material to mine. Thus, we feel it makes much more sense to reuse the material that has already been created than to extract it again.
Who made it
Lastly, when it comes to the production of our bronze sculptures, we work exclusively with Indonesian craftsmen and women on both Bali and Java. This piece specifically was made in Java, Indonesia and fine-tuned in Bali. All of our craftsmen and women get paid a living wage that exceeds what the Indonesian Law requires. We make sure that their income is enough to pay for a comfortable home, food, education, ceremonies and more.
Questions?
Finally, if you still have any questions about this large standing Benin Leopard, feel free to reach out to us via Whatsapp + 31617123402 or email info@sooka.com and we will get back to you shortly.
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