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Spindle whorl

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From Traprain Law, East Lothian

Postcard of Spindle whorl.
000-100-039-569-C
© National Museums Scotland

Spindle whorl

A spindle whorl was used in spinning wool. It was hung at the end of a spindle to act as a fly wheel. This example from Traprain Law in East Lothian was made from reused Roman samian ware pottery in the 2nd century AD.

The spindle whorl is imperfect, missing approximately one quarter of its fabric. It has a fragmentary manufacturer's mark reading 'D ...VS', and graffiti, perhaps the Roman owner's mark, reading 'TB'.

Writing was brought to Scotland by the Romans. Although many Roman soldiers could read and write to some extent, and marked their names on their belongings, the native population did not adopt literacy, relying instead on oral tradition.


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Online ID: 000-100-039-569-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GV 820
Date: Between 100 and 200 AD
Material: Samian ware; edges rounded and perforated like a whorl; potter's mark; graffiti
Dimensions:
What: Pottery / base sherd / spindle whorl
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description: Samian base sherd with graffiti, reused as a spindle whorl, from Traprain Law
References:
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