Spindle whorl

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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 pierced bone example was found at St Ford Links at Largo Bay in Fife. Its cannot be dated precisely, but was probably used between 200 BC and 1100 AD.

The disc has been made by turning it on a lathe. It is decorated on both sides with concentric lines made by carving it while turning.

For much of Scotland's history, people have made extensive use of bone and antler for many objects used in daily life. The raw materials are easy to come by, and fairly easy to work, producing light, strong, flexible and resilient objects.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-589-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HR 517 B
• Date: 200 BC - 1100 AD
  Between 200 BC and 1100 AD
  
• Material: Bone; with eight lathe turned concentric rings
  Whorl
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Whorl
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Fife, Largo Bay, St Ford's Links
  
• Event:
• Description: A spindle whorl of bone, from St Ford Links, Largo Bay, Fife, 200 BC - 1100 AD
  
• References:
  • Munro, Robert. Notice of an ancient kitchen-midden near Largo Bay, Fife, excavated by W. Baird. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 35 (1900-1), 281-300. 
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