Clarke gets his throne

“A FRIGHTENING proposition,” was how master artist, poet, writer LeRoy Clarke described his enthronement as Chief Ifa Oje Won Yomi Abiodon. The name has varied translations including “one who cannot be rebuked.” A “live art” celebration took place at Studio 66 Art Support Community, Barataria, yesterday evening to celebrate the honour given to Clarke by the Orisha faith, as well as his upcoming birthday tomorrow. He will be 67 years old. At the celebration he was to receive his “stool” or throne, another symbol associated with his new title. In June he was given the staff of eldership and the title chief. “It gives the kind of authority for communities. People will look to me for advice, and assistance. Things people interpret as the duties of a Chief,” he said.

In an interview, Clarke indicated that he was grappling with the responsibilities of the title and the expectations people may have of him. He said the role was frightening “in a culturally parasitic place.” Asked what he meant, he replied, “We like to beg.” Clarke explained, “One has to be guarded that I am not overwhelmed by the people’s expectations. That comes with the risk of my accepting my invitation.” He admitted that definitions would be established based on his personal limitations. Clarke does not have an office and cannot entertain throngs at his home. He also cannot afford numerous requests for assistance. However, he expects to attend meetings, community discourses and lecture at functions. Despite his anxieties, Clarke has realised from the way people respond to him that they expect him to take on a leadership role.

“Perhaps that too underlies the request of the Orisha community to become part of the authority. The immediate task I have is to establish my council, a group of people to converse and have information filtered out in a wise manner.” One of his driving forces is what he described as the rebuilding of his house. “To reinstate African principals and values as an artist I have been vociferous in this regard whether in my paintings, my poetry, or in my lectures.” Clarke believes that the honour given to him by the Orisha community was for being a responsible person in his community and proponent of their interests. He has been asked to establish communication with officials in Government, Opposition and other leaders to make his “position relevant.”

Clarke said in TT, East Indian communities have had a “settled tradition” of the pundit but the African traditions have been broken up. He sees the title of chief and the responsibilities it carries as a move toward “putting together pieces of tradition.” The celebration in Clarke’s honour began at 6 pm with an invocation and drumology. “A Blood on the eyelid” from his written work Douens was performed by Kevin McMayo and Natasha Simon, directed by Davlin Thomas. Actor Errol “Blood” Roberts did another excerpt from Douens titled “Pelt your stones.” Tribute was also paid to Clarke by Pearl Eintou Springer and others. Project coordinator Ruth Brewster said a mini-exhibition of various artists as well as a display of Clarke’s writings, drawings and paintings was part of the function.