This striking object is a heddle pulley, and was
made by the Baule, a subsection of the Ivory
Coast Akan polity. The looming end is a
conventional form, with cross-hatching designs
and an integrated spindle. The handle is formed
into the likeness of a monkey head, known as
“Mbra” (or Gbreke), who is a potent symbol for
the Baule. Full-sized versions of this creature are
often stood up in Baule villages and are used to
assist in divination rituals. They are considered
so powerful that women are not allowed to see
them. Their fearsome appearance is boosted by
the application of encrusted patinas that are the
result of repeated libations of dog blood (dogs
are sacrificed to this end). The Baule fascination
with decorating utilitarian objects is more
explicative than any specific magical connotation
in the present case; it is unlikely that Mbra would
have been invoked to assist in such a
comparatively mundane activity as weaving, and
it is the decorative aspect of the carving which
appealed to the person who originally
commissioned this attractive piece
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 example of this tradition.
