Ceremonial Wine Vessel from the Tikar people of Cameroon, West Africa

The Dynamics of Power

What does it mean to have power? Is it something gained by default through a position held or office occupied; or is it the personal qualities brought to the position or office? Given today’s current events, one can debate if a person is powerful because they have a gun or because they know when it should be used? Is the President powerful because of the office they hold or the quality of their character? Although this debate could stretch far beyond a national crisis or election season, in tribal Africa it was settled long ago in favor of equalizing the importance of diverse positions, which in turn, placed extraordinary emphasis on the quality of a person’s character and personality.

This vessel is adorned with a Female and Male Monkey

This week’s new Arrival features a large ceremonial wine vessel from the Tikar People of Northern Cameroon in West Africa. Used to serve corn wine during important festivals and ceremonies, it is adorned by male and female monkeys hanging precariously side by side on the vessel’s slope. Are they simply decoration or emblematic of something deeper? The full answer may be hidden in the recesses of the maker’s mind; yet, the Tikar believe the monkey symbolizes both the virtuous and foolish aspects of human behavior while regarding men and women equally. This pot suggests the power of those it serves has more to do with how they act than what they are called.

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