Weaving Loom Pulley Stirrup - Ivory Coast - First Half Of The 20th Century

Weaving Loom Pulley Stirrup
Baule culture, Ivory Coast
First half of the 20th century 
Wood, iron and pigments
H.: 15 ; W.: 6 ; D.: 5 cm

This monoxyle stirrup is sculpted in the shape of a horseshoe and has an anthropomorphic figure on the upper part with characteristic features: an oval face with a tapered chin, a shell-shaped hairstyle with four braids with geometric incisions, eyes highlighted with white kaolin pigments, superciliary arches leading to a long nose and a cup-shaped mouth. The neck is punctuated three times with geometric scarifications, and the cheeks are also marked with these facial designs. 

The stirrups were used to hang the loom's heddles. 

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP : 3044