A male figure sits on the edge of an elaborately
engraved blade. Stylized, highly inventive
animals decorate the main portion, where a large
bird with a snake-like neck peers at us through
concentric eyes, its body composed of narrow
bands of striations at different angles. An
attractive lizard lies between the large bird and a
much smaller wingless variety near the tip, which
also bears some resemblance to a fish. These
charming animals are surrounded by joined
squares, triangles, and stippled semi-circles
giving the impression of a flowering, dense
jungle. The seated male surmounts this
undergrowth of nature, perched far above as if
resting in the sky. He offers the traditional sign
of greeting of the Osugbo society with the left
fist on top of the right. His dignified facial
features--conical headdress, the trim beard,
bulbous, contemplative eyes and slightly parted
mouth, suggest a venerable elder or ancestor.
Ceremonial swords are used for a variety of
purposes, including protection against accident,
warding off evil spirits, and as a symbol of power
and position. As an object of art this sword is a
visual metaphor of Yoruba life, representing the
archetype male figure dominating over and yet a
part of nature, dignified and respectful, but
fearing neither the forces above nor below.
- (PF.5117)
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