Each of these tree-shaped objects consists of a bundle of wavy irons that were welded together and merge in a sharp point. The taller examples, some of which exceed one meter, possess a thin iron strap wrapped around the stem to hold the branches together. In the older literature this type of object was identified as traditional currency. In fact, these are ritual wands used by Mumuye rainmakers, who either planted them in the ground or placed them in clay vessels to influence the weather. In the past, the Mumuye had one “Master of Rain,” and, second in rank, one “Master of Thunder,” followed by lesser, local rainmakers. The former two were considered the highest spiritual powers in society. They lived in secluded compounds in the mountains, where they had rain chambers that only they could enter. There, they kept their regalia, especially irons and stones, and they made sacrifices of chickens, goats, and millet beer to secure rain. While the wands were utilized in rituals to control the weather, we do not know if they had other ceremonial uses, too.

Some zigzag-shaped rods have a flat surface, but most of them are twisted. They represent the flash of lightning in the sky, and also refer to the sudden movements of slithering snakes, thought to forecast the coming of rain. Moreover, many rods of these wands have a flattened, pointed form that suggests the head of a snake. A few authors have described the rain wands as being gendered, male and female, depending on the size and number of the irons