Sale 214 Lot 471

IVORY COAST GURO HEDDLE PULLEYS This pair of Guro heddle pulleys from the Ivory Coast illustrates the sophisticated merging of functional weaving technology with refined West African sculptural aesthetics. Hand-carved from dense, dark wood, the primary pulley features an elegantly elongated human head surmounted by a stylized hornbill bird, a motif common in Guro art that symbolizes high status and spiritual protection. The secondary, smaller pulley displays a different artistic approach, featuring a rounded, textured coiffure or crest that highlights the variety of forms a single artist might employ. Both pieces are adorned with delicate incised lines and geometric patterns along the "shoulders" and facial features, while the integrated wooden bobbins at the base demonstrate their historical role in guiding thread on a traditional narrow-band loom. These pulleys served not only as essential tools for the weaver but also as personal talismans, reflecting the owner's taste and the deep-seated cultural belief that beauty and craftsmanship are vital to the success of one's daily labor. height: 11.75 inches (tallest pulley)
$200-300