from Reay, Caithness

Spindle whorl

A spindle whorl was used in spinning wool, hung at the end of a spindle to act as a fly wheel. This steatite example was found in a Norse woman's grave at Reay in Caithness, together with a range of other grave goods. The burial dates from between 900 and 1000.

The steatite was carved into a curved dome. 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.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-043-822-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.IL 338
Date:	Between 900 and 1000
Material:	Steatite; plano-convex in section
Dimensions:	1.00" D
What:	Whorl
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Caithness, Reay
Event:
Description:	Steatite whorl from Reay, Caithness
References:	Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 125-6. Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, pp. 10-1.
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