EARLY MEDIEVAL SPINDLE WHORL

850

Fired ClaySpindle Whorl. Oxidised fabric with abundant chalk inclusions, possibly comparable with Torksey Ware. A doughnut shaped whorl of Walton Rogers' form B, with central aperture of diameter 13.5mm. The aperture is lipped on one side, suggesting the use of a rod or spindle as a former before the object was fired. Despite its possible affinity to commercially produced pottery, this object bears light finger or thumb impressions, and was probably made as a 'one off', resembling a miniature loom weight in its form and material - though a loom weight would be at least twice the size. Chipped on one face. The mass would make probably this whorl more suitable for spinning cord than a yarn. Suggested date: Early Medieval, 850-1000.Diameter: 51.2mm, Thickness: 19.4mm, Weight: 47.71gms.