Bronze Porcupine

‍Finely Cast Bronze Porcupine. 19th Century. Benin, Nigeria

‍

In West Africa, the porcupine is a revered animal. Like the crocodile, the porcupine is seen as an invincible warrior.

The Asante say that it can shoot its spines at an enemy and generate new spines to continue the battle. The highly conventionalized saying associated with the porcupine is, "If you kill a thousand, a thousand will come.”

‍

Estimated Period: Late 19th Century

‍

Ex Private Collection, UK (Brought to Britain during the colonial period)

‍

L: 22cm

‍

Reference

‍

D. Ross, ‘Akan Leadership Arts’, Art & Life in Africa, Stanley Museum of Art, University of Iowa