Spindle Whorl c. 15th century

The "Spindle Whorl" is a small, hand-crafted object from the 15th century made of ceramic and found at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its small size, just 1 1/8 x 1 1/2 inches, suggests its use as a spindle whorl, a tool used in spinning yarn. The whorl's surface features a carved geometric pattern that adds visual interest and might have had a symbolic meaning. Such artifacts are important for understanding the everyday lives and cultural practices of people in the past.