Mr Igbineweka describes the significance of the patterns in Benin carvings. He said that Benin carvings are unique because of these patterns or motifs which are found only in Benin works. He gives the example of the Obanuri, which is the symbol of the mystery between life and death. He also provides examples of idols or expressions that convey the belief of Benin people with regard to this symbol, for example the Benin people say, ‘obanuri on a re irhi n’Ọba ya de agbon yi’ (the obanuri is the rope which the Ọba of Benin uses to hold the world of the living and the dead). Mr Igbineweka explains that as carvers they consider their work complete when it has been given this obanuri pattern.