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Description: | A complete lead or lead alloy biconvex decorated Spindle Whorl, of probably the Medieval period, dating from c.AD 1100 toAD 1450.The spindle whorl is a broad circle in shape. Both the upper and lower faces have been decorated with a segmented design made up of raised diagonal ribs radiating outwards from the centre with a pellet in each segment. It has a border around the central hole on both faces. Part of a border around the outer edge is also visible on each side. The central hole is circular in shape and has been set slightly off centre. It has an internal diameter of 8.0mm. Possible plough damage has caused abrasions and a split on one of the faces. The edge has sustained some damage. The whorl is of a cream to light brown colour.The whorl measures 35.9mm in diameter. It has a thickness of 8.3mm and weighs 32.6g.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 1450AD). 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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