These descriptions are based on carved wood or cast metal sculptures and figurines. Since the warriors are described as being armored, elements that appear to be disks are assumed to be metal disks sewn onto cloth. Benin was known for trading various types of cloth dye. So much of the silk style cloth may have been colored with white being worn mainly by royalty and other nobles. All of the warriors are shown fighting on foot. The only sculptures of mounted men are non-Benin warriors from Moslem northern Nigeria and an Ashanti warrior

All Benin warriors are shown wearing some style of armored helmet. Most warriors are wearing some type of protective armor around their necks. The neck protection appears to be layered.

The shields are described of being of thin bamboo that could protect the warrior from arrows or javelins but not deflect a strong thrust with a spear or sword.

The swords all have a meat cleaver curved blade. Some also have weighted balls near the handle. The balls look to be large and may act as a protective hand guard or used to give the warrior more crushing power with his blow.

Warriors and hunters are shown using large multi-bladed (four edges) javelins and bows. Hunters are also shown wearing leaf camouflage headgear so such headgear could have been worn by scouts.

Empires of Western Sudan 1600-1900

Introduction
Descriptions of Benin Warriors
Empires: Oyo, Jolof, Masina, and Segu