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Description: | An incomplete lead or lead alloy bi convex spindle whorl, of the Roman to Post Medieval period, dating from c.AD 43 - c.AD 1650.The spindle whorl is broadly circular in plan and lentoid in section. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast / set slightly off centre. It has a internal diameter of 7.4 mm. Due to the level of abrasion, it is hard to determine any original decoration on the upper and lower faces.The whorl measures 44.2 mm in diameter and is 7.7 mm thick. It weighs 35.5 g (1.25 oz).The whorl is a mid to dark grey in colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss 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 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. Other similar examples of this type of whorl have been recorded on the database, including WMID-563877 and WMID-C5BE42
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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