The present head, however, is of a god, not a king. It is an altar head representing Osun, whose powers are to be seen in the leaves and herbs of the deep forest, and which in turn are used by the Oba of Benin for use in protecting the nation. Snakes coming from the mouth or nostrils represent the command of occult powers employed when Osun wishes to destroy an enemy. The birds on top of the head represent "witch birds" that gather in treetops at night--though here their power is contained. They sit on the rim of a water pot in which a herbalist makes his magic potions.