Spindle Whorl c. 15th century

This small, 15th-century ceramic "Spindle Whorl" is an example of an ancient tool used for spinning yarn. The object was likely crafted by an anonymous artist and is now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The whorl's simple, geometric design is typical of pre-industrial weaving tools, and its small size suggests it was meant for hand spinning. Its presence in a museum collection speaks to the lasting impact of craft traditions on human history.