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Heddle Pulley

Date20th century

Label TextIn the notes about this pulley from the Guro of Cote d'Ivoire, the donor said, "This sculpture was brought to me from Paris by a friend in 1937. The face above an elongated neck is described as 'Modigliani-like.'" Indeed, there is a resemblance to the portraits by Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani. However, this head was rarely seen as a static image when in use by West African weavers: the spool at the bottom held warp threads in place for the weaver who watched the head move up and down in rapid succession as he worked. Such kinetic miniature sculpture transformed a basic tool into a creative aspect of the weaver's day.

Object number99.69

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, The Untold Story, November 14, 2003 - November 14, 2004

Credit LineGift of Marion H. Keyes

Dimensions11 x 4 x 2 3/4 inches

MediumWood