This replica is a classic example of a sculpture of the Gouro (or Guro) region, in the Central West part of Côte d'Ivoire. The sculpture portrays a Gouro woman and symbolizes the feminine aspect responsible for the biological continuity of the Gouro people, for family in particular and society in general.  

The original sculpture is part of the Museum of Civilizations of Cote d’Ivoire’s collection, a state Museum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The museum collection has over 15,000 artworks and are authentic to the region. The collection has statues, musical instruments, masks, archaeological finds, textiles, and colourful paintings. Conflict in the region in 2011, however, may have caused the loss of many items. 

The gift was given to United Nations on October 31, 2003. This is the first gift from Côte d'Ivoire to the UN.