Baule Wood Slingshot, Ivory Coast

A Y-shaped fork carved into a column, with a small face peering from the stem.

This wooden slingshot from the Baule peoples is Baule, and dates to the 20th century. It is ivory coast, west africa. The Baule live in central Ivory Coast, and they are known for their carved masks, figures and everyday objects, which are often finely finished. Slim upright form splitting into two prongs at the top, with a small carved face just beneath. The stem is turned into ringed segments and finished in warm amber brown. It stands on a small black base. It is 2.25 inches wide, 2 deep and 7 high.

A modest fork with a surprisingly lively face.