Weaving loom pulley stirrup. Probably Baule or Guro sphere

Weaving loom pulley stirrup. Probably Baule or Guro sphere
Region: central and western Ivory Coast
Probable dating: end of XIXᵉ - first half of XXᵉ century
Carved hardwood pulley stirrup depicting a stylized anthropomorphic figure.
Dimensions : Height : 20 cm, Width : 7 cm, Weight : 100 g
The object consists of two main parts:

a functional U-shaped structure, forming the two uprights of the stirrup that held the loom's pulley ;
a figurative sculpture at the top, representing a seated figure with legs spread.

Stylistic features: elongated triangular head, very prominent rectilinear nose, half-closed slit eyes, discreet incised mouth, triangular headdress or helmet pierced by a suspension hole, narrow, elongated torso, angular legs forming the mechanical structure.
The sculpture remains deliberately geometric and compact, reinforcing the solidity of the piece while retaining an aesthetic dimension.
These objects are elements of the African horizontal loom.
The pulley (missing here) was inserted between the two lower uprights.
It guided the loom threads and ensured tension.
The carved stirrup thus fulfilled a dual function: mechanical (pulley support) - symbolic and aesthetic.
In many societies in Côte d'Ivoire, weaving is a highly valued male craft, and the loom's components can be carved to protect them.
Several elements point to the Baoulé - Guro - Yaouré zone: elongated face with straight nose - horizontal slit eyes - geometric body structure - sculpture integrated into the mechanical function.
This type of anthropomorphic stirrup is particularly common among the Baoulé, where sculptors apply the same aesthetic principles to utilitarian objects as they do to ritual statues.
Condition
Generally good condition for an early utilitarian object.
Observations: light to dark brown patina, traces of wear from handling, light abrasions on edges, original pulley missing (moving part usually lost). Stable structure.

Museum comparisons
Comparable objects preserved at :

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Brooklyn Museum
Rietberg Museum

These institutions own several carved Baoule loom pulleys, often between 15 and 25 cm high.
Bibliography
Vogel, Susan Mullin
Baule: African Art, Western Eyes.
Cole, Herbert M. & Ross, Doran
The Arts of Ghana.
Roy, Christopher D.
Art of the Upper Volta Rivers.
Sieber, Roy & Walker, Roslyn
African Art in the Cycle of Life.
Rarity index: 5 / 10
Carved pulley stirrups are relatively common, but early examples with well-preserved anthropomorphic carving remain sought-after.
The pierced triangular headdress is a detail found on many early Baule pulleys.
It may have served either to suspend the tool when not in use, or to visually lighten the mass of the head while retaining its symbolic shape.

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