The figure wears the rich clothing of a courtier, an apron with a raised end and an overcoat, as well as chains on the shackles, arms and around the neck. It is particularly characterised by the flat, round hat with brim, the tattoo at the corners of the mouth, the L-shaped hammer and the cross it wears in front of its chest. According to a Portuguese report from the end of the 15th century, the cross, a cosmological symbol, was worn by the "messenger of Ife", who confirmed the position of the newly crowned king. The founder of the Benin dynasty is said to have come from Ife, the spiritual centre of the neighbouring Yoruba. According to another interpretation, the figure is a member of the Ewua guild founded by Esigie, whose task it was to wake up the king every morning and perform ceremonies to strengthen his spiritual power. The cross associated with Oduduwa was also used in these ceremonies. The reference to Esigie played a central role in the reorganisation of kingship in the 18th century, which makes the interpretation of the figure as an Ewua dignitary likely.