Goli's Ten-mask Slingshot

Senufo Culture, Ivory Coast

First half of the 20th century

Carved wood

Dimensions: 17 × 9.5 cm

A rare, fully carved Senufo slingshot, remarkable for the exceptional richness of its decoration. The handle is adorned with a series of ten Goli masks, skillfully arranged in a vertical composition of great artistry. The faces, with geometric features, have high foreheads, half-closed eyes, long, straight noses, and stylized hairstyles—characteristic of traditional Ivorian sculpture.

The Goli masks, associated with the protective deity and considered the children of Nyamien, the god of the sky in Ivorian traditions, play an essential role in ritual ceremonies and major community festivals. Their depiction lends this work a strong symbolic dimension, far surpassing the simple utilitarian function of a slingshot.

The upper crossbar is supported by an elegant openwork structure that accentuates the verticality of the composition, while the two arms of the bow are adorned with fine engraved geometric designs, consisting of triangles and deeply incised crosshatching. The quality of the carving, the balance of the forms, and the beautiful patina of age attest to the work of an experienced sculptor.

With its elaborate iconography and the presence of ten Goli masks, this piece stands out clearly from ordinary slings and constitutes a prestigious work illustrating the refinement of Senufo sculptural art during the first half of the 20th century.