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Description: | A complete lead or lead alloy bi convex decorated spindle whorl, of probable Medieval dating (AD 1100 to AD 1450).The spindle whorl is sub circular in shape, and lentoid in section. Both the upper and lower faces have been decorated with the raised decoration. The upper face has multiple design elements present. A fern like design, with six fronds on either side is present towards the base of the design. The rest is less clear to make out but has been made from the a raised curvilinear line and could be pictorial in nature. A possible person is present next to the leaf, with a possible house behind him. The lower face has an irrregular zig zig line running around it, creating seven triangles. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast / set roughly centrally. It has a internal diameter of 10.9 mm.The whorl measures 34.4 mm in diameter, and 12.9 mm thick. It weighs 62.4 g.The whorl is of a light to mid grey colour, with an even surface patina.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 1450 AD). The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a thick linen or wool 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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