This sculpture was first made in plaster while the artist was living in Paris, and was cast in bronze in England at a later date. While in Paris, Paolozzi met the sculptor Giacometti and visited his studio. This strange object is similar to sculptures Giacometti made while working with the surrealist group. It has been suggested that this sculpture may derive in some way from the bone structure of a fish, with the central 'table' being the backbone while smaller bones spring away from it. Cut-away botanical models in science museums may also have helped suggest the motif.