In the riverine area surrounding Benin City, there are two types of crocodile. The Ẹghughu, known in English as the dwarf or bush crocodile, is believed to be more docile ( ; Ọbazee 2025, p. 133). The second type is the Àgbákà, the aggressive Nile crocodile ( ; Ọbazee 2025, p. 11).

Crocodiles are one of the important animals represented in the historical Emwin Arhe, and they are known as Olokun’s guards or the “policemen” of the waters. The powerful and ferocious qualities of these animals might explain why warrior figures are often depicted wearing Uhunmwu-Ẹkuẹ (pendant masks) in the shape of crocodile heads on Ama-Ẹrọnmwọn (bronze relief plaques) ( ). Olokun devotees use crocodiles as sacrificial animals in offerings during the worship of Olokun.

The Umọmọ is an L-shaped hammer made of iron that holds profound importance, symbolising power, transformation, and spiritual efficacy. The hammer is fundamentally associated with Ogun, the god of iron, embodying “the force inherent in metal, [with] a mystical power with the potential to create or destroy” ( ). This dual aspect of the hammer—its capacity for both shaping and destruction—mirrors the formidable power of the Ọba. The L-shaped hammer is often associated specifically with Ọba Eresonyẹn, as it most commonly appears within the visual language of Emwin Arhe (royal treasures) that he commissioned, for example, held by Ewua figures and on one ornate cast Ẹrhẹ, thought to have been Ọba Eresonyẹn’s throne (id. no. 209779) ( ).

The hammer is notably held by figures identified as Ewua palace officials or Ohensa priests, who also wear a cross pendant on their chests. The consistent portrayal of these figures holding the Umọmọ underscores its connection to the origins of the Benin dynasty and the spiritual authority of the Ọba. Ọba Esigie, the powerful 16th-century “warrior king”, is credited with encouraging ironworking, further solidifying the hammer’s link to royal martial strength and divine kingship.

Appearing on Aken'ni Elao (carved ivory tusks), Ama-Ẹrọnmwọn (bronze relief plaques), and even as a charm, the hammer symbolises the Ọba’s ability to “mold and transform” events, to overcome challenges, and to provide spiritual protection ( ). Its presence thus reinforces the complex interplay of hierarchy, spiritual authority, and military might within the Benin Kingdom, consistent with other potent symbols such as the Akọn Ẹkpẹn (leopard’s tooth neck ornament). The Umọmọ often appears on Emwin Arhe (royal treasures) believed to have been commissioned during the reign of Ọba Eresonyẹn ( ; ).

Other terms for hammer in Edo are Avan or Avalaka ( ), which are used interchangeably with Umọmọ by members of the Igun-Ẹrọnmwọn.

Asoro (spears) were used as weapons in battle and for hunting ( ; Ọbazee 2025, p. 37). According to , there were two types: long and short. Figures holding Asoro are often depicted on Ama-Ẹrọnmwọn (bronze relief plaques), sometimes in battle scenes and at ceremonies and festivals.