As explained by Arhuaco elder Mamo Camilo Izquierdo, “In creation there are energies of all kinds; good, bad, neutral. Energetic power is to bring order.” Rulers and religious leaders (caciques) are responsible for managing interactions and relationships with the earth that sustains life, other people, plant and animal communities, weather phenomena, and supernatural beings. As such, the cacique sits at the very center of the universe, an axis of the Earth who maintains the balance of energies. 
  
The works in this case show figures situated in central places: on symmetrical, double-headed serpent thrones, or inside of circular enclosures. In some examples, the entire enclosure is taken up by the cacique’s body. For the Muisca in particular, the communal house and surrounding enclosure (cercado) were equivalent with the cacique’s body, the very center of their community.