Spindle Whorl

8th–10th century

Not on view

The dot-in-circle motif recalls designs presumed to be of magical significance, most likely an abstract eye to ward off the evil-eye, which serve an apotropaic function. Easily reproduced with a tool and visible in many cultures and times, this symbol may have lost its meaning, and become simply a decorative pattern, or may have one that we have not yet discovered.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Spindle Whorl
Date: 8th–10th century
Geography: Attributed to probably Iran
Medium: Bone; incised and inlaid with paint
Dimensions: H. 3/8 in. (1 cm)
Diam. 1 3/16in (3 cm)
Classification: Ivories and Bone
Credit Line: Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926
Object Number: 26.31.413
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

Bottle with Impressed Decorations, Glass, greenish yellow; blown in two parts, impressed with tongs, applied blue rim — Bottle with Impressed Decorations
10th–11th century

Spindle Whorl, Bone; incised — Spindle Whorl
9th–10th century

'Molar' flask, Glass, green; cast or blown, cut — 'Molar' flask
8th–9th century

Spindle Whorl, Bone; tinted, incised, and inlaid with paint — Spindle Whorl
9th–10th century

Spindle Whorl or Button, Bone; tinted, incised, and inlaid with paint — Spindle Whorl or Button
8th–10th century

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