Traditional Weaving Tools – Senufo – Côte d'Ivoire – Kpeliye'e Heddle Pulley

Traditional Weaving Tools – Senufo – Côte d'Ivoire – Kpeliye'e Heddle Pulley, Reed and Shuttle Origin: Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) People: Senufo Type: Traditional weaving equipment – three-piece collection Materials: Wood, plant fibres, cotton thread Dimensions: Overall display: 29 cm high Wooden display base: 25 × 17 cm Heddle pulley: 14.5 cm high Weaving reed: 18.5 × 20 cm Shuttle: 22 cm long Period: Second half of the 20th century, circa 1960s–1970s Provenance: Former French private collection A charming and highly evocative collection of three traditional weaving implements from Côte d'Ivoire, carefully assembled on a wooden display by a former French collector. The ensemble comprises a weaving reed, a wooden shuttle retaining its cotton-thread bobbin, and an attractive Senufo figurative heddle pulley. The heddle pulley is undoubtedly the most sculptural element. Its carved frame represents a stylised kpeliye'e (kpelie) face mask, one of the characteristic forms of Senufo sculpture. The elongated face, prominent lateral projections, elaborate pointed headdress and finely incised geometric decoration give this small object a remarkable artistic presence. The anthropomorphic upper section is extended by two arms supporting the transverse axle and wooden pulley wheel. Heddle pulleys were essential components of traditional narrow-strip looms. Beyond their practical function, they offered African sculptors an opportunity to express their artistic vocabulary through familiar cultural imagery, including representations inspired by ceremonial masks. The pulley has an attractive warm brown patina, with darker areas and visible traces of handling. The weaving reed consists of numerous fine, closely spaced elements, traditionally made from dried palm-leaf ribs, held between two wooden crosspieces. The heavier lower crosspiece helps maintain the alignment of the weaving elements. The shuttle is carved from smooth, dark wood and retains its wooden bobbin wound with white cotton thread. Its elegant elongated form reflects the care traditionally devoted to even the simplest working tools. Together, these three objects provide a fascinating illustration of traditional textile production in Côte d'Ivoire. The ensemble was assembled for display by its previous collector, who mounted the instruments on a simple black-painted wooden base and added a French-language explanatory label, still preserved. This modest, almost homemade presentation has considerable charm. It evokes the spirit of an old ethnographic collection, in which everyday objects were carefully preserved and presented for their cultural and artistic interest. An appealing and unusual ensemble, combining traditional craftsmanship, the distinctive sculptural language of the Senufo, and the documentary charm of an old private collection. Condition Good overall condition, with signs of age and traditional use. The wooden elements show wear, abrasions, handling marks and attractive old patinas. The weaving reed retains its fine structure, and the shuttle its cotton-thread bobbin. The Senufo heddle pulley retains its transverse axle and wheel. The collector's black-painted wooden display shows wear and surface marks. The French-language explanatory label from the former collection is preserved. Please refer carefully to the photographs. Included All three weaving implements, together with their wooden display base and explanatory label. The ensemble is sold as photographed.

Estimación:€170

Ver todos los artículos deCatawikioEtnográfica