Ikharo are linear keloid markings depicted on the forehead of Uhunmwu-Elao (commemorative heads) in groups of three or four above each eye. The exact meaning of Ikharo is debated; some have argued that they relate to the gender or tribal identification of the person on whom they are depicted. For example, has argued that they were worn only by men; however, their use in depictions is not consistent with this, and the Iy’Ọba are also shown wearing them. argued that they are instead a stylistic feature employed by artists that varied over time.

The naming of these markings differs between publications. For example, describe these markings as “agbaguda n'ehae”, which they write translates literally as “blades of the forehead”. However, later went on to call these “ikharo”, as used here. referred to these forehead markings as ikharo, meaning “tribal mark [of eye]”.

Àkpólú, also spelt Àkpólo, are strings of coral beads worn around the lower waist or hips by women and girls ( ; Ọbazee 2025, p. 23). Before colonial rule in the Benin Kingdom, children were traditionally not permitted to wear clothing until the Ọba gave them cloth to wear; the Àkpólú was an exception to this practice, allowing children to wear these coral bead strands around the waist ( ).