Mossi Wood Slingshot, Burkina Faso, Based

A little figure with wide-set eyes straddles a pair of long, splayed legs.

This carved wooden slingshot on a base is Mossi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. Mounting an object on a base lets it stand upright, so its profile and carved details can be seen from every side. A carved figure stands on a black base, with a rounded head, big carved eyes and hands folded near the waist. The body flows into two long, widely spread legs. The surface is warm honey brown and smooth. It is 4 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 8.5 high.

A small face with big, observant eyes.