Sword

Item number K2.435 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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Description

A metal sword with a male head finial that has bulging eyes and a head piece which wraps around at the end of the handle. Underneath the head, there is a pattern of two protruding, four grooved, two protruding, and four grooved horizontal ridges along the cylindrical handle itself. The blade is incised with geometric patterns consisting of quadrangles with cross hatch marks within, wave-like curls, and dots, as well as a floral pattern with leaves.

History Of Use

An umuozo was a traditional weapon used in the Benin Kingdom and was used in early historical battles. Warriors who carried them would be on the front line, as the weapons were capable of weakening the opposing forces.

Iconographic Meaning

The head design on the finial symbolizes the wielder.

Specific Techniques

Made with the cire-perdue or lost-wax method. The mould is made of beeswax, covered with clay, and then fired. The wax melts and the hollow clay cast is then filled with scraps of copper-based alloy, before being fired for a second time.