THE ELEPHANT IN THE VATICAN.

The article explores Since pre-historic times, diplomatic gifts have revealed the contemporary power dynamics and structures at play between clans, tribes and states. With his selection of "# gifts from across the years, Paul Brummel explores their social function. Whether an expression of solidarity or an exercise of authority, here are a selection of fascinating gifts and edited excerpts from Brummel's ‘Diplomatic Gifts: A History in Fifty Presents'.