Fon Dahomey (Benin) Bronze Lion

Unusually Large Cast Bronze Lion & Prey

This bronze image of a lion from the Fon people of what is now Benin in west Africa is unusual large. It has been cast using the lost wax process. Most extant representations are later reproductions, but this example has superb dark patina and indisputably is a 19th century piece. It might possibly be 18th century.

It has been cast with a hapless, horned gazelle in its jaws. It stands on four spindly legs, has a wonderful, prominent tail and prominent ears, and protruding, almond-shaped eyes.

It has been cast with a mane.

The lion was a symbol of Glele, a 19th century Fon king. He ruled the Fon kingdom known as Dahomey from 1858 to 1889 as the tenth Aja king. (Dahomoney was later incorporated into Benin.) This model might be inspired by Glele – or his adoption of the lion motif was on account of it already being an establish motif associated among the Fon.

The figure here sits solidly on its four feet. There are no repairs. There is a casting hole over its right eye. The patina is vwey well developed and dark. There are remnants of an old collection label to the lion’s underbelly. Overall, this is an early and highly sculptural piece.

Roberts, A. F., Animals in African Art: From the Familiar to the Marvelous, Prestel, 1995.

UK art market