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 series of "mounds" are created by joining semi-circles, connected to a double line with the top portion made of very small dots. The lower section near the hilt has two star shapes, each with four radiating bands extending from a central circle, with the top and bottom sections textured in a tight checkerboard pattern.