Heddle Pulley Item Number: Af495 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Hardwood piece with reddish patina and thick black paint in areas. Upper half consists of large and small human heads placed back to back with one long neck continuing into large u-shaped structure. A twisted and knotted cotton cord passes through a hole in the top of the larger head. Both heads have carved facial features in relief: long slit eyes elongated nose, pointed chin with protruding lips, long crescent-shaped black eyebrows, black cap-like hair. Black paint also in rings around neck and front and back faces of u structure. European thread spool attached by wood rod placed through ends of both stems of u structure at a perpendicular angle.

History Of Use

Called a heddle pulley and used with a variety of African looms. Cords attached to cross bars of loom are suspended from it. A series of peddles operated by feet, or cords attached to feet, raise or lower the heddles and thus, the warp elements. This heddle pulley has cord to suspend loom from above.

Cultural Context

weaving; textiles