Baule Slingshot Handle

2137

Original price was: $139.00.Current price is: $99.00.

29% Off

In stock

In stock

Baule
ITEM #:
2137
ETHNICITY:
Baule
ORIGIN:
Ivory Coast
BAULE SLINGSHOT HANDLE:
The artistry of the Baule carvers is evident in the detail of the carving, and the passion that went into decorating everyday items like this African slingshot handle.

Details


African Art

ITEM NAME:
Baule Slingshot Handle
ITEM #:
2137
ETHNICITY:
Baule
ORIGIN:
Cote D’Ivoire
MEDIUM:
Wood.
DIMENSIONS:
7″ (17.78 cm) Tall.
CONDITION:
Excellent
NOTE:
Custom display stand included with purchase.


African Art

CATALOGUE NOTE:
The artistry of the Baule carvers is evident in the detail of the carving, and the passion that went into decorating everyday items like this African slingshot handle. The Baule used these African slingshot handles in the hunting of small animals.

The Baule name comes from their myth of origin. In the seventeenth century, in what is today known as Ghana, the Denkyera kingdom rose to prominence, but a dispute led to a dynasty leaving the country. Abla Poku, the queen, had to flee far from Kumasi with her people, the Asabu, whom she led through the forests, but their trip was brought up short by the Comoe river. she consulted her diviner, who told her that to ensure safe passage across the river, she would have to sacrifice her only child. So, eager to escort her people to the promised land, she decided she herself would throw the child into the waters as an offering to the river gods, crying out “Baouli” (“My child is dead!”), and the followers are said to have adopted this word as the name for their people in honor of the queen’s sacrifice.