Heddle Pulley (probably Noo mask)

c. 1935
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

Using a carefully carved—rather than plain—heddle pulley was a way for a weaver to show how he appreciated aesthetic beauty.

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 pulley depicts a face mask, a secular usage of a typically sacred mask type.
Heddle Pulley (probably Noo mask)

Heddle Pulley (probably Noo mask)

c. 1935

Africa, West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Senufo-style carver

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