An antique incense burner in the form of a leopard with a kitten. It is made of bronze using the "lost wax" technology, typical for the region of the state of Benin. The leopard is an important animal for the culture of African peoples. Moreover, the divine ruler of Benin, bearing the title of Oba, was credited with the fury, strength, beauty and cunning of this noble animal. Before the British invasion of 1897, domesticated leopards were kept in the Oba palace, which personified the power of the ruler. Leopards are also shield holders of the coat of arms of Benin. Africa, the beginning of the XX century.