Spindle Whorl c. 15th century

This spindle whorl, made by an anonymous artist, is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient craftsmanship. Carved from stone, it is a small disc, pierced at its center, with geometric patterns etched into its surface. The weight and density of the stone is crucial to its function. This humble object was once placed on a wooden shaft to form a spindle, used for twisting fibers into yarn. The whorl’s weight provides momentum, allowing the spinner to create a more consistent thread. The geometric designs scratched onto the stone, although decorative, speak to the maker’s skill and attention to detail. The process of hand spinning, slow and laborious, was once a ubiquitous part of daily life. As we contemplate this small object, we can imagine the skilled hands that shaped it, and the countless hours spent transforming raw fibers into useable textiles, reminding us of the intimate connection between labor, materials, and everyday life.