This painting depicts ‘The Scared Tree’ symbol. The African peoples of Bantu origin have a reverence for their ancestral villages, custom and beliefs through this symbol. The sacred forest and tree are deeply rooted in the belief that life does not end with death and that death and the dead must be respected because they continue to live. Under these scared trees, people beg their ancestors for protection, health and gather to make majors decisions for their village and society. It is under this tree and in these meetings that the elder council makes far reaching decisions on the life of the community and represent African democracy in action.  
 
Mozambican artist, Naguib Elias Abdula (1955 –), is a world-renown artist and muralist. He has studied in Mozambique, Spain, South Africa, Germany, and England.  

This gift was presented by the President of Mozambique, H. E. Joaquim Chisssano, and Secretary-General Kofi Annan accepted it on behalf of the United Nations.  
 
An exhibition followed the presentation of the painting, attended by artist Naguib Elias Abdula. Abdula has won international recognition for his work and has exhibited in Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the United States of America.