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AUTHENTIC ANTIQUE HEDDLE PULLEY GURO COTE D'IVOIRE
This product data sheet is originally written in English.
Here is an authentic antique carved-wood heddle-pulley in the form of an arched frame
surmounted by two vertical supports, stylized bush cow horns and embellished with dentate engraving.
surmounted by two vertical supports, stylized bush cow horns and embellished with dentate engraving.
This traditional 5.25" tall /13.3 cm (mounted) weaving implement possesses a
rich and lustrous, dark-brown patina from a century or more of use and handling.
Loom weaving has a long history throughout the African continent. In west Africa, weavers traveled from village to village, hiring out their skills and carrying with them the tools of their trade including carved wooden implements, often of considerable artistic merit. The heddle-pulley, however, received the greatest attention because it was the highest and most visible loom-component. Heddle-pulleys were carved into human, animal and geometric sculptures possessing magico-religious or symbolic significance.
In recent decades, however, various factors have greatly diminished the role of the traditional itinerant weaver and his tools. Beautifully carved old wooden heddle-pulleys have been largely replaced by inverted coffee-cans fitted with recycled plastic spools or other 21st century substitutes.
This old — and authentic — heddle-pulley represents a forever-lost category of traditional African sculpture and reveals the creativity that elevated otherwise utilitarian implements into striking and often unique works of art.
In recent decades, however, various factors have greatly diminished the role of the traditional itinerant weaver and his tools. Beautifully carved old wooden heddle-pulleys have been largely replaced by inverted coffee-cans fitted with recycled plastic spools or other 21st century substitutes.
This old — and authentic — heddle-pulley represents a forever-lost category of traditional African sculpture and reveals the creativity that elevated otherwise utilitarian implements into striking and often unique works of art.
Customs cost is the sole responsibility of the buyer; please inquire before bidding.
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Wood base is included.
All rights reserved for all countries. No part of the contents of this page may be reproduced without prior written permission of the author. Copyright © Rod Rogers, 2023.
| Country of Manufacture | Cote d'Ivoire |
| Provenance | SOTHEBY PARKE-BERNET NYC GALLERIES 12/06/'76 |
| Country/Region of Manufacture | Cote d'Ivoire |
| Modified Item | No |