The ceremonial sword and knife are important symbols of power and authority. High ranking individuals wear the udamalore, (a small, ornate ceremonial sword), during festivals to designate them as someone of prestige. 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 and knifes are emblems not only of wealth, but also of the power latent within the metal itself to cause either destruction or to protect. 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 triangular pattern occupies the upper portion of this blade, with the borders striated and their centers containing circles. The middle panel is formed by a thick striated bands in an X-shape. Within the lower square are three vertical panels; the middle one is like a four petaled flower, with the outer two have connecting triangles and pairs of concentric circles on either side. A lovely floral effect is created by the overall pattern, as if we are seeing through windows onto a blooming jungle.