Arrival of Beni Chiefs at Igue Ceremony, Benin City, Nigeria

The Beni Chiefs dress in flamboyant red costumes which are colour of blood, symbolising life force and power. The texture of the costume imitates the scales of the large red pangolin which is believed to eat all ants and cannot be stung due to its armoured skin. The chiefs carry the Eben sword which they skillfully toss in the air and catch as they enter the palace grounds.