This striking ivory object is a heddle pulley, and was made by the Baule, a subsection of the Ivory Coast Akan polity. The body and the looming end are of conventional form, with bands of cross-hatching and diagonal lines. The spindle itself is absent. The handle is formed into the likeness of a long neck, topped with a human head in the traditional form, with a crested coiffure, large, almond-shaped and rimmed eyes, a long nose flanked by diagonal keloid scarifications, and sensitively-carved lips. The Baule fascination with decorating utilitarian objects has been extensively observed in the field, but this is unusual in being a fairly utilitarian object, but made from such an expensive material. It must have belonged to a highly prosperous person, and as such an individual is unlikely to have had to rely upon weaving as a career, this piece may have served a more aesthetic than utilitarian function.
The Baule live across the Ivory Coast area, and have an economy based primarily on sedentary agriculturism. They have thus been able to build up a considerable political and economic stronghold, which has in turn given rise to a strong ritual and artistic heritage. Their own creation story relates to an ancient migration, in which the queen was forced to sacrifice her son in order to ford a mighty river. So upset was she that all she could say was “baouli” (“the child is dead”), thus giving rise to the tribe’s name.
Blolo bian (male) and Blolo bla (female) spirit spouses are perhaps the Baule’s greatest artistic and psycho-social achievement. These figures are otherworldly partners for young men and women, and are designed as perfect women/men who provide spiritual assistance to their earthly spouses. The Baule are also known for sculptures representing bush spirits (Asie usu) – mischievous and potentially malevolent inhabitants of the “bush”, or dark country beyond the boundary of the village – monkeys, and three types of masks that are used in the celebration of good harvests, mourning, and the visits of important dignitaries.
Secular items are also known, including heddle pulleys, doors, catapults and other utilitarian objects that are often decorated to a very high standard by Baule artists and craftsmen. This is an outstanding and rare example of this tradition.