Antique Peacock Heddle Pulley, Burma/Myanmar (11297A)

Description

Carved Burmese/Myanmar teak heddle pulleys were primarily used in strip-weaving, a process using small handlooms to weave long, narrow strips of cloth sewn together to create larger textiles such as blankets and ritual cloths. They are used in pairs and are tied together by a string that runs through a mechanism at the top of the loom. Used worldwide and especially in Burma and Africa looms with heddle pulleys were made to be functional and artistically propitious. Pulleys were topped with symbolic figures, mythical animals, and auspicious beings as it was believed they would protecting the weaver and aid in producing high-quality weavings. Although Burma is a Buddhist country, its past was steeped in animism and shamanism with the belief that inanimate objects, places, and creatures possess a spiritual essence that influences human life and therefore merits worship and placation to attract positive energy and repel malevolent spirits.

Peacocks are often depicted in folk and religious Buddhist and Hindu art, 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. It also reminds of the short-lived nature of all things 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 carver is apparent, especially the feathers on the wing.s It is in very good condition with surface losses and discolorations which adds to its charm. It pairs well with #11297B-ZKE Antique Heddle Pulley.

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