Baule Wood Slingshot, Ivory Coast, Based

Carved figure at the top of a wide forked frame, with one hand on its belly.

This carved wood slingshot with a base is Baule, and dates to the 20th century. It is ivory coast, west africa. Slingshots in West Africa were traditionally used by boys and hunters, and some examples have carved handles in the form of figures or animals. Overall, a small figure with an oval face, narrow shoulders and one arm bent across the body sits at the join of two long splayed legs. The surface is honey brown, rubbed pale at the edges, with some darker spots. A black base holds it. It is 4 inches wide, 1 deep and 7 high.

Standing legs apart, as if bracing for the wind.