Emada

The Emada (singular: Omada) are palace pages who serve the Ọba and belong to the Iwegue Palace Society. Standing at the Ọba’s side, they carry the stately Ada (ceremonial sword) during public appearances and are therefore sometimes referred to as “Ada bearers” ( ). Emada typically served the Ọba for between six and twenty years, beginning in childhood. At the end of their service, the Ọba would provide each Omada with a wife and a plot of land, formally releasing him from palace service and marking his transition into adulthood (Kaplan 2007, p. 149).

Although the institution of the Emada predates his reign, Ọba Adolo was the first to allow his palace pages to train in woodcarving. This led to the development of a distinctive carving style and visual language that differed from that of the Igbesamwan, the royal guild of wood and ivory carvers.

Emada are consistently depicted naked, signifying their unmarried status ( ; ), and are most commonly shown accompanying representations of the Ọba. In addition to carrying the Ada, they may hold Ẹzuzu (fans), used to cool the Ọba, or Ugianranran (manillas), which signal wealth and overseas trade ( ). Emada appear across several types of Emwin Arhe (royal treasures), particularly Ama-Ẹrọnmwọn (bronze relief plaques), Aken'ni Elao (carved tusks), and Urhotọ (altar tableaux).