Description:

West Africa, Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), Baule culture, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A pair of hand-carved wooden slingshot handles, each sculpted in the form of anthropomorphic figures and faces. The larger handle depicts a nude woman painted in blue, with her legs spread to form the attachment points for the sling. The second handle features multiple carved faces along its length, possibly representing masks, spirits, or ancestors. Slingshots were traditionally used for hunting small game, and the carved figures were more than decorative - they were believed to embody spirits or ancestral forces that provided hunters with guidance and protection. Size of largest: 3" L x 9.75" H (7.6 cm x 24.8 cm); 10" H (25.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#189408

  • Condition: Stable but deep pressure fissures on the face handle. Scuffs, discoloration, and patina on the painted figural handle, otherwise intact.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 1, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000