Baule Wood Slingshot, Ivory Coast, Based

Wide-eyed and V-armed, this carved figure looks surprised by its own fork.

This wooden slingshot on a base is Baule, and dates to the 20th century. It is ivory coast, west africa. Mounting an object on a base lets it stand upright, so its profile and carved details can be seen from every side. Wooden Y-shaped form with two angular arms springing from a head that has large almond eyes, brows and a fine textured beard. A short torso with a fringed skirt and slim legs stands on a small black base. It is 2.75 inches wide, 2.13 deep and 6.25 high.

Eyebrows doing most of the talking.