In this work, we see different symbols from the Yoruba culture depicted. The gold symbol is the symbol of Oshun, one of the goddesses of the Yoruba or the river Orisha. She is associated with water, fertility and love.
These forms are a way to geometrize Obatala or Oshala (known as Obatalá in Latin America or Oxalá in Brazil) is an orisha. He is believed to be the Sky Father and the creator of human bodies, which were brought to life by the smooth breath of Olodumare. Obatala is the father of all orishas. But the work is not about that, it is only one part of the work.
Rubem gets references from one culture and produces art in a modern language.

He uses symbols of religion and terms of black culture but it is important not to define his work in this way. We never think of Picasso’s work in the same terms, it is about more than that.
He is using references but is still creating a type of modernist work