Young Lion

When you look at this lion closely, you notice that he is too young to have a mane of his own and instead wears a hood sculpted to look like fur. The hood fits over his head (with openings for the ears) and has tassels in the front and a bell attached on the back, perhaps in imitation of an ecclesiastical or royal garment. Do you think this young cub might be dressing up as a more mature lion, testing out a roar worthy of the king of beasts? Whether his expression is one of happiness or pain, and whether his paw is raised as a playful or mocking gesture, are questions open to interpretation.