The sun, which is in the north at its zenith in the southern hemisphere, corresponds to the period in life when people are masters, standing straight and tall in the midst of society, sharing their skills. They use their worldly and spiritual power in the best interests of society and the group.
The northern arm of the cross and the colour red represent the time of life when a person has matured and taken a position in society. This is when people are closest both to God in heaven and the dead in the underworld.
In the display are objects relating to two types of masters: the chief, or mfumu, and the priest, or nganga. Each possesses different tools and symbols of status and knowledge, such as staffs, brushes and musical instruments. Their tasks are somewhat different: a chief serves society through the partly destructive power to administer justice, punishing and even executing lawbreakers. A priest’s contribution to society has multiple meanings. They especially help their clients and themselves.