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 (

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, 

 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.

Ebẹn

Two of the most common types of ceremonial swords found in the Kingdom of Benin are the Ada and the Ẹbẹn. The shape of the blade is a main distinguishing characteristic of these two ceremonial swords: Ada typically have a J-shaped blade, whereas Ẹbẹn have an oar-shaped blade which is sometimes perforated and/or decorated with brass inlays often in the shape of small Ẹbẹn and leopards. The blades of both Ada and Ẹbẹn are made from iron, however the Ada often has a carved ivory or cast-brass-hafted handle. In contrast, the handle of the Ẹbẹn is unique in shape – a large ring 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 materials, including other kinds of swords, knives and daggers, are less easily identifiable with specific terms.

Ceremonial Sword

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The British Museum’s archives are held in various locations across the institution. The items listed here aim to give an overview of the main locations where relevant archival and photographic material relating to objects from the Kingdom of Benin is housed. Key areas relevant for cultural objects from the Kingdom of Benin are: Corporate Archives; Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas archives; Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory archives; and the Anthropology Library and Research Centre.

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British Museum

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Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, London

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