Spindle whorls (side)

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 side. The steatite was carved into curved domes. It was a popular material for Scandinavians, who were used to its properties from Norway, and exploited the outcrops in Shetland when they settled there.

Viking women, especially those coming from a Norwegian home or background, were buried with a wide array of ornaments and tools, many relating to textile production. Spindle whorls are often the only evidence preserved of spinning.

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Online ID:	000-666-601-583-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
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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