The ceremonial sword is an important symbol of power and authority. High ranking individuals wear the udamalore(a small, ornate ceremonial sword) during festivals to distinguish themselves as someone of importance. At Ilesha, (central Yorubaland), the chief strikes the blade of his sword on the earth three times when he greets Ogun, god of iron. Swords are not only emblems of wealth, but also of the power latent within the metal itself to cause either destruction, or to be used for protection. Just as an individual possessing power, both earthly and spiritual, may use the weapon for aggressive or passive purposes depending upon his judgment and wisdom.
A floral pattern dominates the center of the blade, composed of a row of circles with diagonal striations in opposite directions, a vertical line down the middle with a double band containing a series of tiny dots, and concentric circles extending from either side of each 'join' of the larger circles. Striated semi-circles with small circles floating in the open area ornaments the bottom portion just above the hilt. The handle has a series of ridges at the base, two sections of textured relief made in a checkerboard pattern and concentric circles, and an open space in the center. The shape of the blade combined with the decoration offers an attractive effect like an exotic flower.