Kota art is synonymous with abstraction and also with magical ingenuity. At first glance, the nature of Kota art rests on the symmetrical arrangement of a Euclidean-type concept based on geometric elements such as planes, dots, lines, circles, and arches. This apparent simplicity is somehow contradicted by the complex nature of the technical skills needed in their making. This process calls for various types of expertise, such as sculpture on wood and a talent for the creation of various ornaments made of iron, copper, and brass.

It is perhaps no surprise then, that the geometry and vibrance of this work caught the eye of William A. McCarty-Cooper (1936-1991), an American interior designer and decorator who began his career working for the British decorator David Nightingale Hicks. In addition to African Art, McCarty-Cooper also collected Art Deco furniture, silver and rare books.

McCarty-Cooper follows in a long line of creative figures, including avant-garde artists Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger, Paul Klee, Alfred Stieglitz and Ernest Mancoba—who, from the early 20^th century widely collected and drew inspiration from Kota art.