Africa Unknown
Slingshot Bird

wood
8 x 2 x 2 in.
2002.14
Gift of Robert Zigler to Mac Gimse

Though little is known about this object, apart from a potential origin in Africa, the unity of material and form can be observed as having a strong sense of congruity. Note that the figure of the bird is not independent from the form as a whole, but rather is integrated into the wood. This emphasizes the intimate relationship between the material and the form that has been carved out of it, as well as provides a feeling of heavy permanence. If in fact originating from Africa, the Slingshot Bird may hold connotations of spiritual belief in alignment with certain West African animist understandings.

Isa Lackey ‘17
Lasting Legacy 2017