Spindle Whorl c. 15th century

This 15th century "Spindle Whorl" from the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a small, hand-crafted ceramic object used for spinning thread. This type of object is often seen in art from this period and is a testament to the important role of textiles in the past. The whorl is designed with a central hole through which the spindle would have been inserted and grooves that would have helped control the thread. The whorl is a wonderful example of both art and function from the past.