The triangular form on both sides represents the lips of a newly installed African chief. (The image flipped sideways). During the over night inauguration ceremony, the chief-to-be must keep his mouth closed tightly, gripping sprigs of the nnyina plant in his mouth.

He is at the threshold of his unwavering commitment to the discipline of the power of silence. From then on, in the service of his community, he will avoid gossip and inconsequential talk - 'give every man thine ear but reserve thy council'.