H x W x D: 18 x 6 x 4.7 cm (7 1/16 x 2 3/8 x 1 7/8 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Northeastern Central region, Côte d'Ivoire
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
In use on a narrow strip loom, this pulley was both functional and aesthetic. It eased the movements of the heddles in separating the warp threads to allow the shuttle carrying the weft thread to pass through. The pulley also called attention to the skills of the sculptor who carved it, advertising his availability to undertake commissions to carve other figurative art, such as masks or shrine figures.
Description:
Heddle pulley with a horned bovine triangular face.
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/