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Description: | An incomplete lead or lead alloy flat spindle whorl, of Roman to Post Medieval dating (AD 43 - AD 1650).The spindle whorl is sub circular in shape, and rectangular in cross section. The edges are incomplete. The central hole is sub circular in shape and has been cast slightly off central. The internal diameter of the hole measures 4.2 mm wide. Both the upper and lower faces are flat. No decoration is present on either surface.The whorl has a diameter of 20.6 mm and is 3.9 mm thick. It weighs 8.2 g (0.29 oz).The whorl is of a light to mid grey colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of the majority 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 AD1450). The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a thin silk or linen 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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