Mossi Wood Slingshot, Burkina Faso, Based

A forked branch with a face for a handle.

Mossi craftsmen of Burkina Faso, West Africa, carved this slingshot in wood in the 20th century. Carved slingshots are commonly used for herding and scaring birds, and decorative ones often carry carved faces. The broad U-shaped fork arcs above a small stylized face, its features worn smooth. The wood is an amber-brown with a glossy sheen and is displayed on a slim black stand. The prongs of the fork are narrow, polished by long use, and the chin of the face is tucked beneath.

About six inches tall. Practical, with just enough personality.