**Originally Listed At $600**

West Africa, Ivory Coast, Baule tribe, ca. early 20th century. A finely carved wooden heddle pulley depicting a standing nude female atop, with an explicitly delineated spine and a plaited, lobed coiffure. In addition, the u-shaped form below is intricately incised with stylized linear and geometric motifs. Heddle pulleys traditionally have been used for strip-weaving narrow cloth strips that were then stitched together to create a large textile. Used in pairs, they hold the heddles in the loom in place to make the weaving process easier, allowing the artisan to shift the warp threads, making it possible for the weft thread shuttles to pass through. Many of the pulleys are designed as animals or humans, like this example, as if the figure were to be watching over and protecting the weavers while they worked. Size: 10.125" H (25.7 cm)

Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection

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#163145

Chips around periphery of perforations through lower end. Normal surface wear with scattered earthen deposits, particularly in recessed areas. Wood has developed a lustrous patina, especially on breasts, navel, knees, and other high-pointed areas.