Research Type
ResearcherNotes
This piece of jewelry is created using red glass beads, small canines from an animal, and a large leopard tooth. Jewelry is an almost ubiquitous method of outward signalling that humans have been doing for hundreds of thousands of years. The material from which the jewelry is made often signals the wealth of the individual, while the style, type, and placement of the jewelry can indicate inclusion in a group as well as be outward expressions of individual style. Specific jewelry also carries a symbolic purpose in the form of charms and sigils; some pieces were thought to give the wearer positive energy, protection from curses, or honor a specific ancestor/deity/spirit.
The leopard had very specific meanings in African symbolism. Leopards are most commonly seen as embodying strength, stealth, and protection. In some African cultures, leopards are associated with royalty and the use of its image or skin/teeth on ornaments was limited to political leaders. In the Benin Kingdom, leopard teeth and hides were given to military commanders to protect them in battle.