Ceremonial spindle whorl 10th-15th century

3d sculpting

close up detail

3d printed part

sculpture

detailed texture

ring

sculptural image

stoneware

sculpting

curved surface

This 10th-15th century Maya Ceremonial spindle whorl is a small, circular stone object with a central hole. It is carved with a face, featuring stylized eyes and a slightly smiling mouth, and is a testament to the Maya's artistic skill and use of symbolism. The piece was likely used in the process of spinning yarn, a crucial element in the creation of textiles, reflecting the importance of these crafts in Maya culture. Today, it is on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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According to Maya worldview, the Sun's cyclical journey across the sky, through the underworld, and back again began with the whirling of a spindle. This cosmic relationship is referenced in the carvings which adorn this spindle whorl; the personified sun and its rays of light would be set in motion by the actions of the spinner. The whorl - a fly wheel to give momentum to the rotating spindle - thus becomes a symbol of the world's creation, connecting the creative powers of the gods and the celestial realm with the spinners and weavers on earth.