West African Slingshot

Carved handle of a seated female figure, her hands arranged on either side of the protruding navel. The figure rests on an architectural arch, decorated on both sides with a Goli mask. Among the Baoulé of Côte d'Ivoire, everyday objects could be enriched with figurative sculptures, giving the artifact a dual utilitarian and spiritual dimension. The slingshot was not only a throwing weapon but also a protective object, carrying symbols linked to fertility and protection. The Goli mask, represented on both sides of the arch, is one of the major figures in the Baoulé pantheon. A protective deity and child of Nyamien (god of the sky), he is associated with ritual dances and community cohesion. Old minor accident at the back, without altering the integrity of the work. Presented on a modern base for conservation and enhancement. Dimensions: 16.5 x 6 cm