baule - Baule

Figurative slingshot by the Baule people of the Ivory Coast
Slingshot by the Baule people of the Ivory Coast, West Africa; PRIMITIVE ID# A0800-649
A hunter crouched silently behind a tree in the heart of Baule tribal territory in the Ivory Coast of West Africa. His eyes were fixed on a large bird perched on a low hanging branch. Slowly, he reached into a pouch hanging from his neck and removed a stone. Times had been hard for the last few years. Harvests had been bad and there was little game to hunt. Warriors like himself were forced to go further out into the bush in search of small game. Moving quietly he fitted the stone into his slingshot and with the smoothest of motions raised his arms and took aim. Suddenly, he froze; as if someone or something made him hesitate. His eyes caught the face carved on the handle of his slingshot. Years of use had smoothed some of its features, but the eyes were still watchful. They told him, in a way he couldn't explain, to look over his shoulder. When he did, his pulse began to race. A giant boar came through the bushes, lowered its tusks and scratched the ground, preparing to charge.

Provenance: Majestic Gallery, Paris