Western Asiatic Bronze Spindle Whorl on Distaff

2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.

12 5/8 in. (60 grams, 32 cm).

Distaff with spiral slot to the thicker end, separate domed whorl and tapering shank. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Collected from 1969-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.

Literature

Cf. Grütter, N., ‘Spindle Whorls and Other Textile Tools’ in Münger, S. (ed.), Kinneret II,2 – The Early Iron Age. Report on Finds and Findings from Tell el-‘Orēme/Tēl Kinrōt, Excavations 1994– 2008, Bern, 2020, pp.1-22, fig.6.

Footnotes

Spindle whorls are one of the most durable traces of textile craft in the archaeological record. They can be found in copious quantities and diverse types. Whorls in the shape of discs, cylinders and cones of clay, bone, stone and other more precious materials are widespread in all areas and periods, evidencing the skills of craftswomen engaged in textile production.

CONDITION

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LOT 1338