African colonial figures originated among the Ivory Coast’s Baoulé tribe as an often satirical artistic response to its colonisation and the European influence. The Baoulé waged one of the longest wars of resistance against French colonisation, and the Baoulé colon style would achieve international popularity following the second World War. Their hand-carved wooden statues commonly depict a Europeanised African middle class, or stereotypical attributes of European design such as official uniforms, suits, tobacco pipes, distinct hairstyles and hats.

With this figure however, the man stands nude and tall in typical Baoulé posture, half-closed eyes symbolising a peaceful attitude, self-control and patience. The lack of clothing and pigment suggest that this figure did not represent a settler, but a Baoulé person unscathed by or prior to the European influence.