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

Weaving Loom Pulley Stirrup featuring a CALAO
Senufo culture, Ivory Coast
First half of the 20th century 
Copper alloy
H.: 17 ; L.: 7 cm

This copper alloy stirrup, cast using the lost wax technique, has a stylised hornbill at the top: a large beak joins its neck and is topped by a scroll, its cheeks are two incised semi-circles, and its openwork eyes are surrounded by concentric circles. The stirrup forms the animal's body and is decorated with discs and spirals. 

The stirrups were used to hang the loom healds.

The hornbill is an important avian figure valued for its intelligence, mastery and creativity - qualities also required of the weaver. 

Ref : 4707

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON