Rights Holder: York Museums Trust
CC License:
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
Unique ID: YORYM-867FA5
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A complete lead spindle whorl or weight of Early-Medieval date, c.AD 950 - 1150. The object is circular with a flat top and base, and rounded edges. A perforation runs through the centre. It is undecorated.
The metal is worn with a light brown patina. The object is 20.4mm in diameter, 6mm thick and weighs 14.7g. The perforation is 4.6mm in diameter.
Lead spindle whorls and weights were commonly used from the Iron Age through to the post-medieval period and are difficult to date with any certainty without supporting archaeological context. The function of such objects is also difficult to determine as the forms are common and may have served as spindle whorls or weights used for fishing or goods. However, this example object is from a site which is producing predominantly Early-Medieval material. As such a similar date for this object is likely. It also fits into Walton Rogers Form B which dates from the late 10th to early 12th century.
Ref: Walton Rogers, P. (1997). Textile Production at 16-22 Coppergate (The Archaeology of York: The Small Finds). York: Council for British Archaeology. P.1736-1739.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 950
Date to: Circa AD 1150
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 14.7 g
Diameter: 20.4 mm
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference: YMT : E05315
4 Figure: SE7256
Four figure Latitude: 53.99502997
Four figure longitude: -0.90322639
1:25K map: SE7256
1:10K map: SE75NW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.