Spindle Whorl Date Unknown

This spindle whorl, of unknown date and maker, is a humble object made from dark stone, with a hole at its center. As a tool, it would have been fixed onto a shaft to increase the momentum as fibers were twisted into thread. The whorl’s weight and balance are critical to its function. The smooth, dense stone would have been carefully shaped, likely using abrasive techniques and hand tools. Note the delicate incised decoration, a repeating pattern of scallops that adds a touch of artistry to this functional item. The presence of this object speaks volumes about the labor involved in textile production, and a pre-industrial context where spinning was a fundamental and time-consuming task. Something like this is a reminder that even the most common things in our lives have a complex story of production and use. Examining objects such as this allows us to think more deeply about the relationship between materials, making, and the wider world.