Heddle Pulley with Figure
Item
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Accession Number
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2018.13
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Title
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Heddle Pulley with Figure
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Ethnic Group
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Senufo
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Subject
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Pulley|Weaving|West Africa
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Country
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Ivory Coast
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Date
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20th century
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Medium
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Wood|Palm Oil
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Format
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H x W x D: 9 x 2.5 x 2 in. (22.86 x 6.35 x 5.08 cm)
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Description
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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.
