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Description: | A complete lead or lead alloy convex spindle whorl, of Roman to Post Medieval dating (AD 43 - AD 1650).The spindle whorl is sub circular in shape, and D shaped in cross section. The central hole is sub circular in shape and has been cast slightly off centre. The internal diameter of the hole measures 10.0 mm wide. The upper face is domed and the lower face is flat. No traces of decoration are present on either the upper or lower faces.The whorl has a diameter of 35.1 mm and is 8.1 mm thick. It weighs 42.3 g (1.49 oz).The whorl is dark 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. Some signs of damage, probably caused by the plough are present along the edge and reverse of the whorl.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 thread 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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