Jul 14, 2020
Nov 2, 2009
Jul 14, 2020
Nov 2, 2009
Jul 14, 2020
Nov 2, 2009
Jul 14, 2020
Jul 14, 2020
Jul 14, 2020

Heddle Pulley (bird)

Heddle Pulley (bird)

c. 1935

Wood and metal

Overall: 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in.)

Gift of Katherine C. White 1973.219

Location

Did you know?

There are eleven species of hornbills in Côte d'Ivoire, where this bird-topped pulley was carved.

Description

The heddle pulley, a working element of a narrow-band loom, bears a miniature sculpture. Heddle pulleys support and separate threads during weaving. Mounted above the weaver, the pulleys allow him to glance up at an object of inspiring beauty, rather than pure functionality. This pully depicts a slender-beaked hornbill reaching toward its belly and may allude to fertility. Besides inspiring weavers, these publicly visible miniature sculptures reportedly acted as “advertisements” for carvers in parts of West Africa.

See also
Collection: 
African Art
Department: 
African Art
Type of artwork: 
Implements

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