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SPINDLE WHORL
Unique ID: IOW-087238
Object type certainty: Possibly
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete lead alloy possible spindle whorl of Unknown date (c. AD 43-c. 1800).
The spindle whorl is circular in plan, hemi-spherical, domed at the top and flat on the underside. There is a parallel sided circular hole at the centre with a diameter of 8.1mm.
The object is grey with patches of a buff patina.
Diameter: 25.5mm; thickness: 11.2mm. Weight: 40.72g.
Spindle whorls, as an artefact type, can be hard to date accurately as they remained in use for a long period of time. The weight of the spindle whorl is suggestive of a thick wool thread 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. There is a possibility this is a weight, but the size of the central perforation does allow it to be a spindle whorl.
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: UNKNOWN
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: ROMAN
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 1800
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 11.2 mm
Weight: 40.72 g
Diameter: 25.5 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 11th August 2019 - Sunday 11th August 2019
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2019-1-198
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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