Lobi Wood Slingshot, Burkina Faso, Based

Little carved head crowns a springy fork, mounted for show.

This lobi carved wood slingshot on a base is Lobi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. The Lobi live in southwestern Burkina Faso and neighboring countries, and their carved wooden objects are known for strong, simple forms. Dark, glossy surface on a Y-shaped form with a small seated figure and carved head at the top. A smooth U-shaped arch curves below, and the whole piece stands upright on a black rectangular base. It is 2.25 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 6.5 high.

Compact, symmetrical and very good at standing up straight.