A fragmentary brass vessel - priobably an Ukpu - in the style of Benin, standing on three legs, surmounted with a leopard and two male, naked figures on each side, one handle is missing, the connection between the lid and the container is broken, pierced through by erosion at one leg.

Ukpu (cups) included in the catalogue are made from brass, bronze, wood or ivory. Some are decorated with human figures and others have pedestals or feet, similar to a chalice. Those in brass and ivory would have been mostly used in the royal court, as the possession of objects made from these materials was restricted to the Ọba and some chiefs who obtained certain ranks in palace societies.

Source: Digital Benin.

sold

Height: 45 cm
Weight: 3 kg