Senufo (Ivory Coast/Mali) Wood

Heddle pulleys are used in strip-weaving, a process that uses very small looms to produce long, narrow strips of cloth which are later sewn together to create a larger textile, such as a blanket. The advantage of this type of loom is that it is highly portable and easy to assemble. Heddles are always used in pairs. They are tied together by a string that runs through a pulley situated above the loom. The weaver's feet operate the heddles, alternately, during the weaving process. The pulley is generally decorated with the head of a hornbill or other animal or human form. Some scholars believe that these decorated utilitarian objects have special importance. They inform the user regarding protection and allow for a good and quality product.