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 complex design covers nearly the entire surface of the blade. Divided into four main sections the upper portion has vertical bands alternating semi-circles, concentric circles, wide checkerboard pattern with tiny dots inside, and a band of fine cross-hatching. A large square dominates the middle area formed of four semi-circles creating a star shape in the center filled with circles. The lower section has many horizontal bands tightly grouped of large and small circles, cross-hatching and triangles each in their own series.