Unwẹnrhiẹnọtan
The Unwẹnrhiẹnọtan (switch) is made from branches of a tall shrub and is held by the Ọba and certain chiefs, such as the Osuan and Ooton, during sacrificial rituals and ceremonies, particularly Ugie Erha Ọba (B ). Figures carrying Unwẹnrhiẹnọtan are depicted in brass on the Ama-Ẹrọnmwọn (bronze relief plaques) and also carved in ivory on the Aken'ni Elao (altar tusk).
According to Barbara Blackmun ( ), the Unwẹnrhiẹnọtan “is required whenever the sacrifice of a living creature takes place within the Ọba’s palace complex, to drive away intrusive spiritual forces. The upright position of this essential implement suggests that the person who holds it is about to preside over a sacrificial ceremony.”
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