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“Objects made by hand carry a little of their story with them.”Vintage hand-carved wooden figural slingshot measuring approximately 6 inches long.Features a carved human figure with incised details, older leather cords, and a leather/suede projectile pouch. The carving and construction are consistent with traditional Guatemalan folk-art slingshots, particularly examples associated with the Guatemalan Highlands.Approx. age: Mid-20th century, likely circa 1950s–1970s
Origin: Guatemala, likely Highland/Nahualá tradition
Material: Hand-carved wood, leather/suede pouch, aged sling material
Size: Approx. 6”The sling material is old, dry and brittle from age and should not be stretched or used. I have left the piece exactly as found rather than replacing the aged components.A little history:
These small hand-carved slingshots were practical everyday objects, often made from local wood and personalized with carved human or animal figures. In Guatemala’s highland communities, they were traditionally used by boys and men for target practice and hunting small birds or game. Over time, many became as much folk art as tool, with each carving reflecting the individual hand of its maker. The surviving leather pouch and aged bands on this example help preserve that original utilitarian character.Best considered a folk art / ethnographic collectible and display piece, not a functional slingshot.Condition: Vintage condition with age-related wear, surface marks and patina. The bands are brittle and fragile from age. Please review all photos closely for condition and details.Approx. size: 6” longCollector’s Story:
What makes this little slingshot special is that it was never meant to be decorative. Pieces like this were traditionally hand carved as working tools, often with human or animal figures worked directly into the handle. The maker turned an ordinary everyday object into something personal and artistic.Examples from Guatemala’s highland regions are now collected as folk art because no two carvings are exactly alike. This one still retains its aged leather pouch and brittle sling bands, which help preserve the character of how it was originally used.At only about 6” long, it’s a small piece with a lot of history — perfect for someone who collects folk art, ethnographic pieces, oddities, primitive carvings, or unusual vintage objects.
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