Figs. 202 and 203.--Brass dancing sword or wand, said to be used by
virgins in their dances. The handle is ornamented with two figures,
which appear to be holding some objects. The blade is engraved with
guilloche pattern on both sides.
Figs. 204 to 209.--Three brass dancing swords or wands, said to be used
by virgins in their dances. Each handle is ornamented by four rudely
cast figures back to back, carrying objects in their hands, two of
which can be identified as birds, and two or three have leaf-shaped
swords with ring on pommel. One has bands of straight line diaper
pattern. The blades are ornamented with guilloche patterns and floral
ornaments incised.
Figs. 210 and 211.--Brass dancing sword or wand, said to be used by
virgins in their dances. The handle is ornamented with four figures,
which are in pairs back to back. They appear to be holding swords
and other objects. The blade is ornamented on one side with bands
of strap-work, and on the other with a sinuous line of branching
leaves (floral guilloche). Straight line diaper pattern and lines of
half-circles are on the square stem of the handle.
Figs. 212 and 213.--Iron wedge-shaped sword, single-edged, enlarging
to a broad end. Ivory handle; the grip carved in pointed leaves and
studded with lead; pommel in form of a leopard's head; the eyes inlaid
with lead; a band carved as two scaly snakes at bottom. The scabbard
worked in green plush and red cloth, with human figures and tortoises
alternating. This is probably the kind of work represented in metal
on some of the dresses on the plaques. The sword belts terminate in
tassels of worsted or some other limp material.
Fig. 214.--Iron spear-head, modern, with ogee section, similar to those
of Benin. Iron and brass bound shaft.
Figs. 215 and 216.--Iron spear, length 4 feet 11 inches, the head
having an ogee section, similar to those used at the present time on
the Gaboon and elsewhere in West Africa. Below the spear-head the shaft
is ornamented with bronze figures of leopards in two places and two
degenerate elephants' heads and eyes, the proboscis terminating in a
human hand holding a leaf, as so frequently shown elsewhere. The butt
end is cased and bound with brass. The shaft is of iron, with a brass
band on the upper parts.