Fig. 102.--Brass shield, 2 feet in diameter and ·08 inch in thickness,
ornamented with three concentric rings. The outer one represents a row
of leopards, with human heads and head-dresses alternating. A broad
leaf-shaped sword, similar to Fig. 106, and two execution swords,
similar to Fig. 110, are also represented on this ring. The middle
ring is ornamented with a serpent with sinuous body, having its tail
in its mouth. The inner ring is filled with foil ornaments, and small
circles cover both this and the outer ring. There is a square hole in
the centre for the attachment of the handle. The shield resembles that
slung on the left hip of the mounted warrior, Figs. 79 to 81, Plate
XIII, but with different ornamentation.
Fig. 103.--Iron dart, or spear, 5 feet 1 inch long, with wooden shaft.
The blade is leaf-shaped with socket, and is rudely forged.
Fig. 104.--Iron dart, 3 feet 7-1/4 inches long, with barbed head and
iron shaft.
Fig. 105.--Iron dagger, or short sword, length 16-1/4 inches; the
incised ornamentation is on alternate sides, like those of the Gaboon
and other parts of Africa. There are also sinuous lines engraved on
alternate sides. It is rudely forged, and the handle is very small and
bound with strips of copper.
Fig. 106.--Iron leaf-shaped sword, length 19-1/4 inches, similar in
form to those frequently represented in the hands of warriors on the
plaques. It is rudely forged. The wooden handle is inlaid with copper.
Fig. 107.--Iron leaf-shaped sword, length 19-1/2 inches, with
alternating ornamentation on the opposite sides of the blade, similar
to that prevailing in the Gaboon and other parts of Africa. The handle
is very small, and is bound with strips of iron.
Figs. 108 and 109.--Brass implement, resembling a bill-hook. The edge
is on the convex side and the concave side is blunt. It is pierced with
five holes and engraved with hatchings in Benin style, in which are
included two stars, a cross, and three crocodiles.
Fig. 110.--Iron execution sword, 3 feet 1 inch long, hilt and pommel
of brass, with copper inlaid ornamentation. The grip bound with brass
wire. It is single-edged, the edge being on the convex side. It
resembles the swords engraved on the circular shield, Fig. 102, one
on each side of the broad leaf-shaped sword. This kind of sword is
held in the hands of warriors on two plaques in this collection, Fig.
254, Plate XXXIII, and Fig. 291, Plate XXXVIII. It is also seen on the
carved cocoa-nut, Fig. 220, Plate XXX, and elsewhere. It is rudely
forged.