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 close scrutiny reveals designs beneath the heavily encrusted patina. A series of striated semi-circles, common to such swords, appears on the base just above the hilt and along the edge. Here and there we see concentric circles, like eyes, staring through the veil of green, highlighted by the natural gleam of the brass. On the hilt the pattern of semi-circles on the rim, with multi-lines and semi-circles in the center, gives an idea of the blade's original pattern.