Vintage Baule Slingshot from Ivory Coast, Africa

$199.99

Vintage Baule Slingshot from Ivory Coast, Africa
Product may vary slightly from image representation.
Quantity
Slingshots are carried by young boys for hunting birds and bats in the forest, sources of protein in places where that is often scarce. The slings are made, usually, by the father of the boy (though more wealthy families will commission one from a professional carver.) The carvings are talismanic, meant to protect the boy. Most carvings are of deities or spirits, often woodland spirits, which are always female and often red. European nail polish is a favored source of the red color. Masks abound, sometimes with the entire costume used in dance. There is a feeling that the mask carvings function best as protectors if they are facing the source of danger, and “right-side up,” rather than upside down. For that reason, a sling will very often have two masks, facing in opposite directions; two masks, one oriented up and one down, or both. There may be up to eight masks, “to cover all the bases”. Other subjects for the carving enhance h This Slingshot measures 7.25" x 2.5"
 
 

Details

 
• Made in Côte d’Ivoire • Weight: 2.08 oz (58.97 g) • Dimensions: 2.5 x 7.3 in (6.4 x 18.5 cm)
Categories
Designer Shoes and Sneakers ShopHBCU Apparel and GiftsAfrican American Figurines and Gifts
African Masks and Wood CarvingsThomas Blackshear Ebony VisionsAll That Jazz Musicians StatuesMusic Lovers Wall Accent ArtShop Black Angel Figurines SaleAbstract Bronze StatuesAfrican Exotic Home DecorationsAfrican Musical Instruments ShopEssence of Africa FigurinesPrecious Family Ties CollectionR and B Dancers Figurines shopAfrican American Church PewAfrican American Clocks ShopAfrican Chess Set CollectionsBronze and Acrylic SculpturesAfrican American Christian ShopBlack Best Selling FigurinesProfessional Collection FigurineSelf Love Journals GiftsAfrican American Praise DancersBlack Fairy Figurines CollectionAnnie Lee Figurine CollectionBlack Jazz Musicians FigurinesBlack Santa and Xmas CollectionBlack Hattitude FigurinesTumblers Gift ItemsBlack Accent Figurine CollectionBlack Glamour Figurine PiecesAfrican American Top 10 FigurineBlack Candle Holders CollectionBlack Birthday Girl FigurinesShades Of Africa FigurinesBlack Friends-Family CollectionKeith Mallet CollectionShop Black Legends FigurinesSportsShop African Shield and SpearBlack Sisters Forever CollectionPresident Obama MemorabiliaMasks and CarvingsAfrican Chess setsAll FigurinesBlack Rugs Collectiondiscontinued cat 2Emma Jane Figurine CollectionHoliday GiftsjgcoMiscmkp
African-American ArtworkShop African American BooksBlack Plays Movies Concerts Gospel BooksNegro League Baseball Apparel and GiftsShop African American T ShirtsShop African American CapsBlack History Apparel ShopGreek Paraphernalia SaleBuffalo Soldiers ProductsTuskegee Airmen Apparel and GiftsShop Men's Clothing-Suits, Shirts and HatsWomen’s Dressy ShoesWomen's Church Suits, Dresses and HatsAfrican Health and Beauty StoreShop African Black Soaps BarBody and Home Oils, Burners, IncenseAfrican Clothing For Men Women ChildrenShop African Jewelry Men and WomenAfrican caps, scarfs and ties.African Fabrics StoreAfrican Hand Made BasketsAfrican Foods - Groceries Super Market