Heddle Pulley (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th century
Guro
Sculpture
Tools, Equipment, Utensils
wood
Côte d'Ivoire
Overall: 7 3/4 × 2 3/8 in. (19.69 × 6.03 cm)
2006.90
Integral to the process of weaving textiles, heddle pulleys are functional objects used to ease the movement of the heddle, the part of the loom that separates alternate warp threads and allows the shuttle carrying the weft threads to pass through. In neighboring Guro and Baule cultures, simple, everyday objects are made with great aesthetic consideration for both the weaver's delight and to attract commissions. Each distinctive heddle pully, thus, also functions as a calling card for the weaver, showcasing their appreciation of beauty.
Gift of Robert and Nancy Nooter
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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