Iansã is a Candomblé orixá and one of the three cowives of Xangô.  She prefers copper, and for that reason, most items made in tribute to her are of that metal. The powder horns represent the horns of the West African wild buffalo, which is the animal of Iansã.  The animal is so ferocious that it is able to kill lions.  The sword is also significant because, although Iansã is seen as a woman and wife, she is also known by her followers as a warrior .