Western Africa, Ghana, Akan peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE.  A hand-carved wooden slingshot with a forked sling attachment and a handle depicting a seated woman. The figure rests upon an integral stool, clothed but with pointed breasts and her arms held upward to form the base of the prongs.  The stylized head bears a rounded chin, a small nose between almond-shaped eyes, a wide brow line, and a neatly incised coiffure that forms two ridges across her scalp. Her skin is a rich brown, and the stool, prongs, and clothing are painted with red and white hues. Slingshots such as this were used for hunting and scaring away animals. A wonderful example from Western Africa! Size: 6.5″ L x 1″ W (16.5 cm x 2.5 cm)