Spindle whorls (top)

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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. These two steatite examples were found in the grave of a Viking woman buried at Westness on Rousay in Orkney between 850 and 950.

This picture shows the spindle whorls from the top. Both have evenly bored holes in their centres.

Spindle whorls occur in a range of shapes and materials. Steatite was popular, since the stone is soft and easily carved. Spindle whorls are often the only evidence preserved of spinning.

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• Online ID: 000-666-601-582-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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