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 7¼ inches long, with barbed head and iron shaft.
Fig. 105
Fig. 105.—Iron dagger, or short sword, length 16¼ 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
Fig. 106.—Iron leaf-shaped sword, length 19¼ 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
Fig. 107.—Iron leaf-shaped sword, length 19½ 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
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.
[Pg 37]
[Pg 38]