Ebẹn

Ebẹn are often described as swords, however they are used more like sceptres. During ceremonies titled chiefs would hold them or throw them during dances, and in doing so they pay homage to the Ọba at these public events. When a chief receives a certain status and is awarded an Ebẹn, he would dance with it to pay homage to the Ọba. It is forbidden for Ebẹn to touch the ground, so the chief would have to take extra precautions to avoid dropping the Ebẹn during the dance. Therefore the Okae-Odionmwan (head of executioners) dances with the cutting sword (Umozo) behind the dancing chief.

The Ebẹn is one of the two of the most common types of ceremonial swords found in the Kingdom of Benin, along with the Ada. The blade is the main distinguishing characteristic of these two swords. The Ebẹn blade is similar in shape to an oar and can be perforated and/or decorated with brass inlays most commonly shaped as small Ebẹn and leopards. In contrast, Ada typically have a J-shaped blade. The blades of both Ada and Ebẹn are made from iron, however the Ada often has a carved ivory or cast-brass-hafted handle. In contrast, the handle of the Ebẹn is unique in shape, with a large ring-shaped handle set at a ninety-degree angle from the flat blade. The distinctive shapes of these swords make them relatively easy to identify. However, a wider range of material, including other kinds of swords, knives and daggers are less easily identifiable with specific terms.