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Swem is a pot of ashes and medicines which is the symbol of right and justice and plays a large role in both religious and political life. It is also used for oath-taking. Swem is put down in the circle, the chief washes his hands after touching it, and the jir is ready to start. [...] Although litigants are careful not to touch it, they otherwise ignore it except when witnesses are sworn. [...] The act of swearing consists of picking up the pot (in the case of women, touching it may suffice) and, usually under instruction from one of the mbatarev, repeating some such statement as: ‘This is swem; if I swear falsely (sa apela), swem will catch me.’ [...]

• Source: Bohannan, Paul. Justice and judgment among the Tiv. London, New York: Published for the International African Institute by the Oxford University Press, 1968.
• Culture: Tiv
• Location: Africa