Carved Monkey signed BE??? OPUA

When I search OPua I come up with New Zealand but no figurines like this, maybe looking in the wrong direction? Thanks as always for any help!

 

I see Ber
Don't know if that helps.
He's cute.

 

I'm inclined to BEY since the last letter, unlike the first 2, would have to be lower case to be an R, although certainly not impossible that it it is.

 

The wood looks like ebony so more than likely African and maybe a person's name?

 

And what about the black painted letters above OPUA?

(I have no idea, just wanted to point out that they are there.)

 

I thought that was the price, $5.99 or something

 

Yup stupid marker price.

 

Ok, thanks!