Iron Age Spindle Whorl

Details

A spindle whorl is a weight with a hole running through its centre; it is placed upon a wooden drop spindle. The weight of the spindle whorl gives the drop spindle momentum when it is spun during the spinning process allowing the fibres to be spun into yarn.

Drop spindles have been used for centuries, and in some parts of the world, they continue to be used in this way to spin fibres into yarn that is then fashioned into clothing and other textile items.  

We have created our spindle whorls with the care and reverence they deserve, using examples discovered during excavations and now on display in museums worldwide. Through this research, we have recreated the shapes and sizes used by the original Iron Age spinners. 

Each of our spindle whorls has been thrown on a potters wheel, dried and the shape refined by a delicate process of carving back excess materiel. The result is a beautiful balance of design and functionality. 

Materials

terracotta

 Production

As with all my Museum Quality Replicas, We try to work in a way that is as close as possible to the methods used by the ancient craftsmen and women who created the original.

As each spindle whorl is hand made, there might be slight variation in the colour, shape and design. You won't necessarily get the exact whorl in the photograph.  

Postage

All items are sent using a second class postal service. If you wish to have an item sent first class, please contact us for a quote. Many Thanks