Slingshot, Baoulé, Republic Of Ivory Coast, First Half Of The 20th Century.

Slingshot carved on the handle of a standing female figure holding an offering, her face with a gentle expression. Wood, old honey patina, signs of use, good general condition; see photos. Baoulé, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, first half of the 20th century. Dimensions: Without base: 19 x 7.1 cm With base: 21 cm Provenance: Former Dufourq Bidau collection, Pau, acquired after inheritance; constituted on site in the 1960s/70s. Sold with certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes. Guaranteed original and period. * Shipping costs on estimate Among the Baoulé, the slingshot, called “potomo waka”, is mainly used for hunting small game. What distinguishes Baoulé slingshots is the elaborate ornamentation of their handles, often carved with human or animal figures. This decoration in no way hinders their functionality, but reflects the importance given to aesthetics and symbolism in Baoulé culture. Carved female figures, such as the one on this slingshot, may represent protective spirits or ancestral figures, symbolizing fertility, protection, and prosperity. The presence of an offering in the figure’s hands suggests a ritual dimension, indicating that the object could also serve as a talisman to attract luck and success during hunting. The attention to detail, the quality of the carving, and the patina of the wood are testament to Baoulé craftsmanship and the cultural importance of such objects, which transcend their practical use to become works of art in their own right.