Lobi Wood Slingshot, Burkina Faso, Based

Forked branch becomes a figure with a round face and open arms.

This lobi carved wood slingshot on a base is Lobi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. A slingshot is a hunting and herding tool found in many parts of the world, and a forked branch is a natural starting point for its frame. Dark reddish carving with two long prongs rising like horns above a round, wide-eyed face. Below, folded arms and a ridged body sit on a low base, all mounted on a slim dark slab. The surface is smooth and polished. It is 4.75 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 6.5 high.

Uses a good V-shape to say plenty without a word.