WMID-340265: Medieval: Bi convex spindle whorl

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SPINDLE WHORL

Unique ID: WMID-340265

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

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

The spindle whorl is sub circular in shape, and lentoid in section. The upper face has been decorated with a series of raised diagonal lines creating V shapes, with a raised circular pellet inside. The lower face is undecorated. The central hole is circular in shape and has been cast / set roughly centrally. It has a internal diameter of 8.7mm.

The whorl measures 28.1 mm in diameter, and 13.6 mm thick. It weighs 50.0 g (1.76 oz).

The whorl is of a light to mid grey colour, with an even surface patina.

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 1450 AD). 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.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1450

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Thickness: 13.6 mm
Weight: 50 g
Diameter: 28.1 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 13th January 2019 - Sunday 13th January 2019

Personal details

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Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead Alloy
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: West Midlands (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Staffordshire (County)
District: Stafford (District)
Parish or ward: Ellenhall (Civil Parish)

Spatial coordinates

4 Figure: SJ8326
Four figure Latitude: 52.83125026
Four figure longitude: -2.25376634
1:25K map: SJ8326
1:10K map: SJ82NW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
Discovery circumstances: Found whilst out searching with a metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: WMID
Created: 4 years ago
Updated: 4 years ago

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