Striking Art: West African Carved Slingshots Captivate Cannes

At the Museum of World Explorations in Cannes, until November 2, 2025, visitors can discover a surprising exhibition: “Striking Art! Carved Slingshots of West Africa”, the world’s first show entirely dedicated to these small yet extraordinary pieces of folk craftsmanship.

Eighty objects, sourced from major European collections, reveal how a simple tool – originally used to keep birds away from crops – can become a true work of art, showcasing the inventiveness and humor of communities in Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

Hand-carved slingshots portray sacred animals, human figures, masks, and caricatures inspired by local proverbs, offering a vivid glimpse into an artistic expression free from ritual or religious constraints.

The project, based on field research carried out between 2024 and 2025 under the scientific direction of Professor Yacouba Konaté, unfolds across three themed rooms, creating a unique dialogue with the museum’s permanent African collections, enriched in 2021 by the Bellec donation.

For the first time, an everyday object long overlooked by art history takes center stage, accompanied by a 74-page catalogue available on-site for the symbolic price of €5.

📍 Museum of World Explorations, Le Suquet, Cannes – Until November 2, 2025