Iwu are facial and body markings (scarifications) that were historically worn by Edo men and women. However, since the 1960s, the practice has been nearly extinct (Aisien 2011). In the past, Iwu were used as a way of proving that one was an Edo citizen, and the ceremony of having Iwu completed was an important rite of passage for men and women. The Osiwu, who also practised circumcision and other surgical procedures, would carry out the procedure of adding Iwu. There are different types of Iwu: ‘blades’ worn on the torso (Iwu-eko), and those worn on the face, such as Ikharo (three or four markings above the eyebrows), Irho (two narrow ‘blades’ worn on each cheek), Ovbihue (nasal ‘blades’), Ovbi-agbanmwen (chin ‘blade’), and Igho-okpa/Ukpgho (three forehead ‘blades’) (Aisien 2011, p. 22).

The number of Iwu also varied depending on the identity of the person wearing them. For example, royal men would wear six ‘blades’ on their torso, whilst men who were not royal would wear seven ‘blades’. Meanwhile, the Ọba’s female children would wear fifteen ‘blades’, and all other women would wear sixteen (Aisien 2011).

Akhẹ (clay pots) are made by the Imakhe (guild of potters). Pots were used for a variety of purposes, including everyday storage of water in simple, undecorated or minimally decorated vessels, while others served ritual purposes. Akhẹ Osun, for example, are often highly decorated with animal motifs such as lizards, frogs, and snakes, all of which are associated with the deity Osun. Rounded Akhẹ with open tops are depicted on both the Ama-Ẹrọnmwọn (bronze relief plaques) and pendant plaques. They are usually shown being carried either on the heads of figures or propped on their left shoulders.