The warrior chief is flanked by two warriors. Since Benin artists use size to indicate importance, both warriors are slightly smaller than their chief but considerably larger than the four attendants. Like the warrior chief, both warriors are wearing leopard-tooth necklaces. The leopard's teeth symbolize aggressiveness and cunning while also indicating that the two warriors are representatives of the Oba empowered to take human life. A stylized leopard's face can also be seen on the tunic (just above their waists) of each warrior. The leopard-face tunics were meant to terrify enemies.

The leopard-tooth necklaces and leopard-face tunics are not the only symbols used to underscore the warrior's prowess. Each warrior is also wearing a quadrangular bell. The bells can be seen on each warrior's chest just below the leopard-tooth necklaces. The bells served several functions. As practical tools they were used to communicate a warrior's position to his fellow soldiers and to signal victory. In addition, their sound was used to frighten enemy soldiers.