Spindle whorl
This ceramic spindle whorl is decorated with incised concentric circles. It was excavated at Yarim Tepe in northeastern Iran, six miles south of the modern town of Gonbad-e Kavus. Yarim Tepe was a small settlement, inhabited from the Neolithic to the Parthian period, with many interruptions. This spindle whorl likely dates to the late Iron Age, though such objects are notoriously difficult to date.
Spindle whorls were used to make thread. A dowel was inserted through the hole, to which plant fibers or wool were attached. The whorl was then spun in order to twist and compress the fibers into a thread.
Spindle whorls were used to make thread. A dowel was inserted through the hole, to which plant fibers or wool were attached. The whorl was then spun in order to twist and compress the fibers into a thread.
Artwork Details
- Title: Spindle whorl
- Period: Iron Age
- Date: ca. 700 BCE
- Geography: Iran, Yarim Tepe
- Culture: Iran
- Medium: Ceramic
- Dimensions: 0.83 in. (2.11 cm)
- Credit Line: Purchase, H. Dunscombe Colt Gift, 1963
- Object Number: 63.102.9
- Curatorial Department: Ancient West Asian Art
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