Distaff

A distaff was used in conjunction with a spindle when spinning by hand. This carved example is dated 1749 and bears the initials, 'I.B.'

A wad of combed wool or flax was hooked around the top of the distaff and drawn out towards the weighted spindle which was then spun around under its own momentum, twisting the fibre into yarn.

Distaff spinning is still used by non-industrialized peoples, such as South American Indians, to this day. It persisted in parts of Scotland into the 20th century. Photographs exist of women spinning on St Kilda and in the Highlands and Islands.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-001-952-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.RB 33
Date:	1749
Material:	Rock. Inscription: 1749 / I.B.
Dimensions:	845 mm L x 23 mm max W
What:	Distaff / rock
Subject:	Spinning - distaffs and spindles and whorls attached to spindles (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Linn Collection
Where:
Event:
Description:	Carved rock or distaff, inscribed `I.B.' and dated 1749
References:	Gauldie, Enid. Scotland's Past in Action, Spinning and Weaving. Edinburgh: NMS, 1995, p.8.
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