Heddle Pulley with Figure
Item
Accession Number
2018.13
Title
Heddle Pulley with Figure
Ethnic Group
Senufo
Subject
Pulley|Weaving|West Africa
Country
Ivory Coast
Date
20th century
Medium
Wood|Palm Oil
Format
H x W x D: 9 x 2.5 x 2 in. (22.86 x 6.35 x 5.08 cm)
Description
Heddle pulleys were used on a narrow stripped loom to aid in the separation of threads while weaving. What is interesting about the heddle pulleys is their variety of designs. Several have figures carved above the pulley such as animals, human masks, and abstract designs. This artistic characteristic is purely for aesthetics as they have no effect on the functionality of the pulley, which reiterates how important visual design was to the African culture. Hornbill birds are a common theme among Senufo pulleys. The hornbill is characterized by its long and narrow bill. To the Senufo, hornbills are linked to the creation of the world. In addition to this, they show a strong dedication to raising their chicks, which become an appropriate metaphor for those in the community.
