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Description: | An incomplete cast lead or lead alloy bi-convex decorated spindle whorl, of Roman to Post Medieval dating (c. AD 43 to c. AD 1650).The spindle whorl is sub circular in plan, and lentoid in cross section. Both faces have suffered from a moderate degree of abrasion, which has resulted in the loss of some of the decorative details. Any original decoration is hard to determine, but looks like a series of diagonal lines with a pellet motif in between on the upper face. The lower face appears plain and undecorated. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast approximately centrally. The internal diameter of the hole measures 10.15 mm wide.The whorl has a diameter of 22.63 mm and is 8.01 mm thick. It weighs 8.7 grams.The whorl is of a light to mid grey colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.Spindle whorls, as an artefact type, can be hard to date accurately as they remained in use for a long period of time, however lead alloy spindle whorls of this type are normally attributed to the Medieval period (c. AD 1100 to AD 1450). The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a fine linen or silk fibre being spun, as there is a direct relationship between the weight of the whorl and the thickness of the resulting thread. Fine threads such as silk require a lighter whorl than those used to spun wool or linen.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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