Spindle whorl (bottom)

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A spindle whorl was hung at the end of a strand or ball of wool, to act as a flywheel as it was spun into yarn using a spindle. This steatite example is one of two found in the grave of a Viking woman buried at Westness on Rousay in Orkney between 850 and 950.

This picture shows the bottom of the spindle whorl. It was decorated with lines curving outwards from the central hole.

The preparation of wool and flax, spinning, weaving, and sewing were the domain of Viking women. Several of the women's graves in the Viking cemetery at Westness contained tools associated with textile production.

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• Online ID: 000-666-601-584-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: Between 850 and 950
  
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• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 136-7. 
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