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LOT 1126
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]
ProvenanceCollected from 1969-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
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.
FootnotesSpindle 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Opening Bid: £200
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Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Property of a London gentleman. -
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From a specialised collection of cuneiform texts, formed in the 1950s-1990s. The property of a London gentleman and housed in London, thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12242-220893.