Around the base of this figure are 15 mother-of-pearl inserts in the form of the 15 Cook Islands: Pukapuka, Suwarrow, Rakahanga, Takutea, Penrhyn, Mauke, Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Mitiaro, Palmerston, Manuae, Manihiki and Nassau. The statuette is wired for electricity: the bulb would sit in the figure's stomach and shine through the large mother-of-pearl shell, which is engraved with a landscape.

The Cook Islands are a self-governing island in free association with New Zealand since 1965. This figure was presented to Queen Elizabeth II by Premier Albert Henry during her official visit to New Zealand in 1970.