**Originally Listed At $475**

West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Senufo peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A fine gathering of 5 hand-carved wooden heddle pulleys with wide bifurcated bodies, stocky shoulders, and projecting handles. Each handle takes the form of an abstract animal, with four exhibiting characteristically avian heads with large aquiline beaks, and the fifth an abstract bull with a pair of curved horns above a slender mask-like face. Four pulleys have small wooden spools suspended within the legs. Created and used by the Senufo peoples, heddle pulleys like these examples are used on a narrow band loom to ease the movements of heddles (part of the looping mechanism of a loom). These objects, while functional, were often carved to showcase the ability of the weaver and hung over the entrance to their workshop when not in use. Size of largest (avian): 2.75" W x 5.875" H (7 cm x 14.9 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-private Pearson collection, Denver, Colorado, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA

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#144884

Repair to arm of one pulley with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. All items have minor abrasions to arms and heads, with softening to some finer details, and minor chips. Light earthen deposits and fine patina throughout.