Ceremonial Swords are swords made particularly for ceremonial purposes. Most ceremonial Swords are made using precious metals or other materials like wood and leather that make them too delicate for combat use. In many cultures around the world, ceremonial swords are used as symbols of power, authority or wealth.
In Nigeria, ceremonial swords are very popular in Benin and Owo traditional cultures. Benin and Owo are two neighbor cities in the southern part of Nigeria. Benin City is a cultural city which was one time a very powerful empire in West Africa while Owo is a Yoruba city which played a vital roles in the politics of the first Republic in Nigeria. Both cities shared many similar cultures which could be traced to their boundary sharing and regular interactions between them from history.
Eben and Ada of Benin Kingdom
Eben and Ada are two ceremonial swords used in Benin royal courts. Eben can be described as a flat iron leaf shaped blade with central rib flanked by triangular cut outs. In high end designs, the blade edges can be bordered by a row of expensive stones like diamond. All Benin chiefs own Eben which symbolizes their ranks. It is an awesome cultural display when Benin chiefs skillfully throw their Eben before the king during traditional occasions.
Ada, on the other hand, is a curved blade that is carried in the king's presence as a reminder of his right to pronounce judgment in all affairs of the kingdom. However, some high chiefs have the king's privilege to use Ada within their households, but not at the palace.
Udamalore of Owo Kingdom
Udamalore is the ceremonial sword with elaborate beaded sheath of the royal court of Owo kingdom. It's a symbol of power and prestige to Owo people. Udamalore which literally means a 'sword of the well-born' referring to the handler being a high born, is often passed from an elderly King to his heir apparent. During a particular traditional festival known as Igogo festival, the king wears Udamalore on the left hip side of the ceremonial skirt known as Ewu.
In ancient times, the sword is made from ivory because in traditional African culture ivory is treasured for its durability, scarcity and association with the elephant which is perceived as symbol of prestige and sovereignty. However, modern ones are made of exotic wood while the sheath and the panels are lavishly embroidered with brilliantly colored glass beads. The beads are used to symbolize wealth. From the picture of Udamalore, it can be seen that the beads are patterned to make figures of animals which are arranged symmetrically with their jagged outlines and vivid colors creating a dizzying, dancing composition. The patterned animal figures includes ram's heads, crouching monkeys, birds, chameleon etc are believed to refer to the protective role of the ancestors, the King's inalienable powers and privileges, and the mystical forces that protect and strengthen the wearer of such lavish costume ornaments.
sources:
ihuanedo.ning.com
mfah.org
gogeafrica.tv