In Africa certain animals receive a reverence that is coveted by tribesmen for an attribute that they are deemed to possess. Cheetah like speed, elephantine strength, the ultimate ferocity of a lion are traits desired by all but available and obtained by few. In Cameroon an age old traditional mandate went so far as to create a special grouping that designated certain beasts as "Royal Court". Only Kings and Queens and members of the Royal court were allow to possess if possible or have any part of such animals. Lions and leopards sat at the highest levels. The Leopard had the honor of being cast as the guardian of the Queen. Leopard figures in their art whether as motifs or stand alone figures would always signify the Queen and on occasions when the Queen wasn't physically present such items along with other ceremonial regalia would stand in her place.  

A high value is and was placed on art selections cast in African bronze. Normally only Kings, Queens, tribal dignitaries and wealthy individuals had enough resources to commission such pieces. The Cameroon artisans that worked with such metals grew quite adept at following the traditional Lost Wax casting technique that originated in the country of Benin. In turn they have achieved international acclaim for their African bronze selections which are some of the most elaborate and prized in the continent.

The African bronze item on display visually expresses the Cameroonian ideology of the Queen/Leopard relationship in an evolved contemporary manner. The Queen in essence has been transformed into a supernatural entity; one with a humanized, animalistic face dominated by dark spotted circlets which mimic those of a leopard. A human tooth filled mouth stretches from ear to ear with exaggerated sweeping whiskers extending upward toward a pair of cat like pupils that are aligned between two pointed fur affected ears on opposing sides. A full bodied small Leopard, carefully detailed, complete with a pronounced looping tail proudly stands atop.

This piece is not very old yet the themes that are incorporated into its design certainly are. In our estimation selections that are well made, institute traditional motifs albeit with a contemporary twist, fit the bill for "tomorrows antiques today" perfectly.`

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Dimensions: 22 inches tall x 10 inches deep x 9 inches across. The leopard on top stands 5 1/2 inches tall.