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 embossed semi-circles form the main ornamentation along the edge of the blade. Each is decorated with fine striations, resting upon a border of very small punch marks. A series of concentric circles line the broad end of the blade. Above the hilt, two inverted semi-circles are separated leaving an open area between which two concentric circles float. The handle is nicely modelled with bands of thickly incised ridges for grip.