Distantly reminiscent of European late-medieval swords, It served as one of the primary weapons of Yoruba armies before the widespread adoption of firearms, alongside spears and bows and arrows.

The ida typically features a sometimes leaf-shaped iron blade ranging from 18 to 30 inches (46 to 76 cm) in length, with most examples being lighter than European or Islamic Swords, weighing approximately 2 pounds (0.9 kg).

[1] The blade is usually double-edged but can be also be single edged, with various designs including straight, gently tapering, or distinctive outward-curving shapes that reach their maximum width of about 2 inches (5 cm) near the point.

The swords were designed for single-handed use and were employed in both mounted and dismounted combat, though they proved more effective in infantry warfare.

Many examples of these swords are still preserved by Yoruba obas (kings) and chiefs as symbols of authority and cultural heritage.