Weaver’s Heddle Pulley

In West Africa, weaving was most often men’s work. Guro weavers, as well as their Baule neighbours, were particularly known for the quality of their indigo-dyed cottons. A pulley held in place by a stirrup activated the mechanism of the loom. Its beauty inspired the craftsman’s work. Having no sacred function, the figures on heddle pulleys varied according to the weaver. Their daily use provided carvers with an opportunity to demonstrate their skill and therefore gain new commissions, including for other objects such as masks.