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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. Due to abrasion, the designs are hard to catagorise. A four petalled fern or leaf is present, with diagonal lines between different designs elements. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast / set roughly centrally. It has a internal diameter of 8.6 mm.The whorl measures 30.3 mm in diameter, and 13.7 mm thick. It weighs 44.6 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: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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