Very nice handmade bronze piece from Dahomey, Cotonou, Benin, Africa. A statuette depicting a lion, hyena, or other predator holding prey in its mouth, such as a sheep or antelope. Gilded bronze with a dark/brown patina of uniform and clean origin. Extremely fine detail work, hand-hammered. Vintage from the 1940s to 1970s or earlier. Maximum length of 19cm, 13cm without the tail, approximately 8cm maximum width, and about 16.5cm maximum height at the head. In very good overall condition, with a small dent on the top of the left ear that is quite discreet, nothing notable besides that. This is a very beautiful and intricately crafted artisan piece that will delight African art enthusiasts. Weighs approximately 1kg.