WEIGHT

A complete lead or lead alloy bi convex decorated spindle whorl, of probably the Medieval period, dating from c. AD 1100 to AD 1500. The spindle whorl is sub circular in shape, and lentoid in section. Both the upper and lower faces have been decorated with raised decoration that appears to be in the form of abraded pettets. The other side has been decorated with unevenly spaced vertical raised lines. Both faces have a raised border around the edge. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast / set roughly centrally. It has a internal diameter of 8.5 mm. The diameter is 29mm and the weight 32.61g.. The whorl is of a light to mid brown in colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss 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 1450AD). 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