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 meal 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 large square at the base of the blade is ornamented with broad criss-crossing striated bands containing concentric circles in the center of the squares and triangle. Above this square are a series of horizontal bands of straight and diagonal lines, a checkerboard pattern, and semi-circles decorated with a row of concentric circles along the middle. On the curved portion of the blade overlapping bands create an ascending group of triangles. This is adjacent to a series of close concentric circles in a tight row. Above each 'peak' of the triangles on the right are circles within circles connected to a series of very small dots. The end result is like a secret language of symbols which speak of the earth, and the Yoruba's interpretation of its mysteries.