Loom pulley stirrup, 21 cm, traditional African art

This 21 cm high single-piece stirrup, carved from wood that has been weathered by use, was used to hang the heddles of the loom. It is topped with an anthropomorphic figure with a stylized face, perched on a thick, truncated neck. Lateral perforations allowed it to be hung. This type of stirrup is emblematic of west african textile traditions and can be attributed, by its refined style and simple features, to the senufo, baoulé, or dogon. These ethnic groups are renowned for their expertise in weaving and sculpting decorative and functional elements for looms. The sobriety of the face and the overall structure are particularly reminiscent of senufo and baoulé creations, while the dogon also produced more angular and symbolic variants. Although the attribution remains hypothetical, it demonstrates remarkable technical and artistic expertise. A visible crack on the back attests to its antiquity and traditional use.