SPINDLE WHORL

A complete lead or lead alloy decorated spindle whorl, of probable Medieval dating (AD 1100 to AD 1450).

The spindle whorl is sub circular in shape, and D shaped in section. The whorl is decorated on the front (top side) with incised lines that could resemble letters, although artefact is very worn and inscription, if there, is difficult to decipher. The reverse is decorated with raised lines forming a zig zag pattern with double pellets in each triangular section. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast / set slightly off centre. It has a internal diameter of 8.9 mm.

The whorl measures 28.9 mm in diameter, and 7.1 mm thick. It weighs 31.9 g.

The whorl is of a light to mid grey colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

Spindle whorls, as an artefact type, can be hard to date accurately as they remained in use for a long period of time, however lead alloy spindle whorls of this type are normally attributed to the Medieval period (c. AD 1100 to AD 1450). The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a thick linen or wool fibre being spun, as there is a direct relationship between the weight of the whorl and the thickness of the resulting thread. Fine threads such as silk require a lighter whorl than those used to spun wool or linen.