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Description: | An incomplete stone flat or discoidal spindle whorl, of Roman to Post Medieval dating (AD 43 - AD 1650).Around 50% of the spindle whorl is present.The spindle whorl is semi-circular, and rectangular in cross section. The central hole is sub circular in shape and has been drilled slightly off central, from both sides. The internal diameter of the hole measures 5.6 mm wide. Both the upper and lower faces are flat. No traces of decoration are present on either the upper or lower faces.The whorl has a diameter of 55.1 mm, with a width of 29.8 mm and is 14.1 mm thick. It weighs 36.6 g (1.29oz).The whorl is of an off whitecolour, 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 thin wool 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: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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