Potomo Waka/ West African Slingshot - Ivory Coast - Mid-20th Century - Drummer

Description

Although slingshots are popular throughout West Africa, figuratively carved, traditional ones such as this example are most often associated with the Baule people of Cote d'Ivoire. This one is estimated to date to about 1960.
The slingshots are carried by young boys for hunting birds and bats in the forest-- sources of protein in places where that is often scarce. They are usually made by the boy's father and the carvings may be talismanic, meant to protect his son from the dangers he might encounter such as snakes and predators.
This nicely sized slingshot is hand carved from a single piece of African hardwood and depicts a seated drummer. The figure is nicely detailed and, with his eyes closed, he seems to be in a trance.
This measures 7.25" tall and is 3" across.
The figure's left shoulder has a disfigurement which probably is a result of a knot in the wood. It appears to be original to the piece, not damage. In any case, it's not recent and does not really detract from the beauty of the piece.