Infants are depicted held in front, often nursing, whereas young children are seen tied to or clinging to their mothers' backs. This theme is particularly prominent in the art of the Yoruba, who have a preoccupation with children and large families. This piece is an altar figure. It probably represents the devotee of a religious cult who commissioned it as a thank offering to the cult god for a personal favor or a service rendered. The bowl held by the mother was used to receive regular offerings of kola nuts.
Kola nuts are a common means of communication with otherworldly spirits.
There is a delightful contrast between the intent, thoughtful expression of the mother, and the inquisitive, distracted face of the child, who looks off in another direction.