Record
Spindle whorl
From Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney
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A spindle whorl was used in spinning wool, hung at the end of a spindle to act as a fly wheel. This red sandstone example with an incised inscription resembling ogham was found at Broch of Burrian on North Ronaldsay in Orkney.
The ogham-like inscription may be coincidental, since other decorated whorls are known. However, an ogham-inscribed whorl was found elsewhere on Orkney, suggesting this may be a similar attempt by an illiterate person.
Ogham was a form of writing used by Celtic peoples in Britain and Ireland. Some people carved their names on their property, but most people were illiterate. Writing was often seen as a kind of magic spell.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-100-038-187-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project - Ref: National Museums Scotland X.GB 58
- Date: Between 400 and 800
- Material: Sandstone; incised ogham-like ornament on one face
Whorl - Dimensions: 0.90" D
- What: Whorl
- Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian
- Event:
- Description: Sandstone whorl with incised ogham-like ornament on one face, from Burrian
- References:
- MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. p 92.
- Translations:
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