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Vintage Baule Slingshot from Ivory Coast, Africa

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Description

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 hunting power or the chances of success. These include guns (or many types), soldiers, Christian religious symbols, or powerful animals (elephants, etc.) Occasionally, unusual subjects such as soccer players or soccer trophies will appear. The variety is virtually endless. The sling portion is usually rubber cut from old inner tubes. It almost never survives the stress of transport or the dry climate here.
This Slingshot measures 6.25" x 3"

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 hunting power or the chances of success. These include guns (or many types), soldiers, Christian religious symbols, or powerful animals (elephants, etc.) Occasionally, unusual subjects such as soccer players or soccer trophies will appear. The variety is virtually endless. The sling portion is usually rubber cut from old inner tubes. It almost never survives the stress of transport or the dry climate here.
This Slingshot measures 6.25" x 3"

About The Niger Bend

Min Order £0 |

United States

D.R. Spetka first lived in Africa for a year before officially opening The Niger Bend in 1982.During the first 20 years of that time, D.R. Spetka traveled extensively in West Africa. However, since the early 2000’s, he decided to expand his traveling to East Africa and Southeast Asia. Almost everything we have ever bought to sell we have bought ourselves from producers and their representatives in Africa and Asia. We abide by Fair Trade principles and work closely with people in many countries to obtain the best products and crafts to promote the well-being of those people. DR. Spetka has devoted his life to this effort and has helped many individuals in these countries immigrate to the United States. “I love the people in Africa and Asia with whom I work; I love their art; I love all the places I go to find what I buy. I have become fully integrated into the lives of the people I work with.” The Niger Bend is devoted the highest quality decor products from around the world.

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