Antique Peacock Heddle Pulley, Burma/Myanmar (11297A-ZKE) SPECIAL PRICE

Description

Heddle pulleys were used in strip-weaving, a small-loom process producing long cloth strips sewn together creating a larger textile such as blankets and ritual cloths. A source of pride for the carver, heddles were decorated with carved figures or animals symbolizing auspicious beings scholars believe protect the weavers and assure their weavings were of good quality to please the gods and spirits. Peacocks are is often depicted in folk and religious Buddhist and Hindu art of Southeast Asia, especially in Burma where it is seen on sacred objects and everyday items such as looms, metal opium weights, and woodcarvings. It is a Buddhist symbol often adorning entrances of religious and government buildings and was the emblem of the Konbuang Dynasty (1752-1885), the last Burmese dynasty. The bird symbolizes wholeness, as it combines all colors when it spreads its tail, and also it recalls the short-lived nature of all sentient beings as its form appears and vanishes as swiftly as it opens/closes its tail. This teak heddle is carved from Burmese teak (kyun), a durable, dense hardwood containing natural oil, and is topped by a graceful carved peacock with a sweeping tail extending to the top of his head with two combs on a long elegantly curved neck. Weathered over the years with minor losses, the skill of the carving is apparent, especially the feathers on the wings and is in good condition with surface losses and discolorations which adds to its charm. It pairs well with #11297B-ZKE Antique Heddle Pulley.

Click here for the blog Burmese Heddle Pulleys: Functional and Aesthetic Weaving Tools