Tannepikoro (Long Sacred Sword) and Emus (Sword)
The tannepikoro (long sacred sword) and emus (sword) are both used for religious rituals, and are believed to have great power to protect people from evil spirits. The tannepikoro, used by individuals while praying, is meant to ward off demons that bring ill health. The emus is used in the emus rimse (sword dance) ceremony, in which men dance and simulate fighting in a display of strength designed to drive away demons that might bring disease to the community. Women provide a vocal backdrop to the ceremony with songs while men shout from the sidelines.