-40%
3 CLAY SPINDLE WHORLS BEAD - MALI - AFRICAN TRADE BEADS
$ 39.6
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
CLAY SPINDLE WHORL BEAD - MALIThis auction if for 3 old terracotta spindle whorls from the Djoboro and Timbuktu regions of the inland Niger Delta in Mali, Africa.
Spindle whorls were used for balancing the spindle as yarn was being spun. They were placed over the spindle and were loose enough to spin as the spindle was twirled back and worth. Spindles were made of both wood and metal.
These spinning aids have been used throughout the world for centuries and come from all cultures. Spindles whorls were carved from stone, shaped from bone, made from clay and some ancient Sassanian whorls were made from other animals. The smaller and more delicate whorls were made for spinning silk.
This fine example measures:
36mm in diameter and 31mm long
29mm in diameter and 24mm long
32mm in diameter and 22mm long