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.