Lobi Wood Slingshot, Burkina Faso

Little brown figure standing on very long, bowed legs, with a serious face.

This slingshot is Lobi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is wood. A Y-shaped fork fitted with elastic or cord is the basic form of a slingshot, a simple projectile tool used by hunters and children in many parts of the world. Slim figure with a narrow head, plain features and thin arms carved close to the body. The long legs stand wide, forming an arch below. The surface is glossy, warm brown with darker patches, on a small black base. It is 5 inches wide, 2 deep and 8.5 high.

Tall legs, tiny arms, enormous poise.