Heddle Pulley

Item number Ag60 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Heddle pulley with geometric motif incised on the head. Arms and head of pulley support are perforated. Has worn patina overall and a crack covering the length of the body. Signs of wear from this piece are visible on the inside of the supports. A small disc used as the bobbin is missing.

History Of Use

Used in weaving. The heddles are used to separate alternate warps in a horizontal hand loom. The heddle pulley revolves on an axle and raises and lowers the heddle. Unlike the Dogon, who have male and female weavers, the Bamana believe that weaving is an exclusively male task. The Bamana use these pulleys to make blankets and furnishing fabrics for trade. Such pulleys are usually embellished and decorated according to the artisan’s taste.