Dogon Bronze Slingshot, Mali, Based

Two crescents rise like horns from the shoulders of a small figure.

Dogon metalworkers of Mali cast this slingshot in bronze in the 20th century, and small cast objects of this kind were made for personal use and display, combining a practical shape with the human imagery that runs through Dogon art. The crescent arms are scored on the outside with fine diagonal hatching. The narrow head and compact body sit at the joint, the form tapering to a point below.

A deep black patina unifies it all. Five inches tall.

It looks like a symbol. It was also a tool.