Replicas of leopard damage as a major symbol of rule are not uncommon in southern Nigeria. They were also common outside of the Kingdom of Benin. The leopard was kept at the court of Benin to represent royal power, but was also sacrificed. The skulls of the sacrificed animals were preserved and often reproduced in bronze. They were worn by war leaders and dignitaries similar to the belt masks on the body. But these objects also found their place on altars.