MEDIEVAL SPINDLE WHORL

1300

Cast copper alloy ‘miniature’ weight or spindle whorl of unknown date. The artefact is broadly circular in plan and bi-convex in cross section. An off centre hole has been cast through the artefact; the hole has a diameter of 3.3mm. The upper and lower faces have been decorated with cast (or possible drilled) hollows or cups. These are arranged evenly around the central hole on the upper and lower surfaces, it is also possible that a further ring of these decorations runs around the rim of the weight / whorl, although these have been made indistinct through abrasion and corrosion. The artefact is a mid cream grey colour with a powdery surface. The function of this example is difficult to suggest – if larger it would be best described as a decorated spindle whorl or possibly a weight. The size of this example may hint at its use as a toy rather than a tool. Although difficult to date – it is more likely to be from the medieval period rather than the Roman one, broadly 1300 – 1600 AD.The artefact measures 10.8mm diameter 4.0 mm thick; it weighs 2.53 grams.