This figure served as a portrait of a living woman.  Only men of economic means could afford to commission such a carving.  Although such an image may be a remembrance of someone after death, it does not function as an ancestor image.  These status objects are kept in the home, where they are shown to important guests.

Most sculptures made in Africa are carved  from one piece of wood or stone.  The construction of this figure, which includes movable arms joined to the torso at the shoulders, jointed thighs and breasts, and removable navel and genital plugs, probably reflects the influence of European or American carpentry.