Spindle whorl
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Spinning with a whorl (c) on a spindle (b) and distaff (above)
A spindle whorl is a disc or spherical object fitted onto the spindle to increase and maintain the speed of the spin. For ages the whorls have been made of many different materials: amber, antler, bone, coral, glass, metal (iron, lead, lead alloy), and wood (oak). Some types of local materials have been also used, such as chalk, limestone, mudstone, sandstone, slate, and soapstone.
Gallery[edit]
-
Spindle Whorl (Sulsultin),Chemainus, Coast Salish (Native American), 19th century, Brooklyn Museum
-
Ancient Greek spindle whorls, 10th century BC, Kerameikos Archaeological Museum, Athens
-
Muisca spindle whorl (500AD - 1500AD). Archaeology Museum, Sogamoso, Colombia