See important guidance on the use of this record.

If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Summary

A stone spindle whorl of unknown date found in 2013. The spindle whorl is circular in plan; in profile it is rectangular with rounded edges. Both faces of the spindle whorl are flat and undecorated; a circular perforation runs through the centre, for attachment to a wooden spindle. Retained by finder.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• PAS FindspotCode: DEV-D66401

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FINDSPOT (Early Neolithic to Modern - 4000 BC (Between) to 2013 AD (Between))

Full description

British Museum, 2023, Portable Antiquities Scheme, 2023, DEV-D66401 (Website). SDV365320.

(Found 2013) A stone spindle whorl of unknown date. The spindle whorl is circular in plan; in profile it is rectangular with rounded edges. Both faces of the spindle whorl are flat and undecorated; a circular perforation runs through the centre, for attachment to a wooden spindle. Spindles were used to twist fabric fibres together to produce yarn. The whorls attached to the spindle acted as a weight to help to provide momentum whilst spinning and twisting the fibres together. This method of preparing yarn has been in use since prehistoric times and throughout the ages into the Roman, Medieval, Postmedieval and Modern periods. Therefore, as this spindle whorl was not found within an archaeological context, it cannot be to attributed to a specific period. The stone is dark grey in colour with small, very fine silver-coloured inclusions. It has a compact, hard consistency. Diameter: 43mm; thickness: 12.5mm. The finder of this item had a new wooden spindle made and fitted, as seen in the image.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds

• FDV8022 - SPINDLE WHORL (Early Neolithic to Modern - 4000 BC to 2013 AD)

Associated Events: none recorded

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.