This is a story about weakness in the despot and strength in the innocent. Set in post British Colonial equatorial Africa, it is the story of a gifted artist, a village woodcarver, who helps bring down a ruthless tyrant.
His Excellency, Head of State with dictatorial powers feels he has done well by his people and his country, but he has no heir and his government is falling apart. He can see the worst coming and takes violent steps to avoid catastrophe.
Latibo, garishly sad, wanton and cruel, right-hand man to His Excellency, plans to depose the old tyrant but his innate cowardice holds him in check. Finally, his chance does come. Mmade, picked by officials to go to England for military training, returns to decide to join the state police. He bitterly regrets his decision when he has to track down his old friend Jaco.
Jaco, loveable, round, bald and gifted, loves his wife and carving and only wants the peaceful life of his village. But he is imprisoned because of his insightful art. He escapes and is pursued. Jaco decided he has a solution for his difficulties.