Mossi Wood Slingshot, Burkina Faso, Based

A narrow, front-facing figure with arms held out like handles over tall, straight 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 dark carved figure stands on a black base, with a pointed head, a slim torso and arms bent outward from the shoulders. Fine scratched lines cover the body, and the long legs form a tall, open arch. The surface is dark and worn. It is 2.75 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 8.25 high.

Stiff, formal, and quite possibly holding its breath.