Spindle, Weight, Loom, D2012.84

Thin, round, smooth, twig of wood/bamboo(?) slightly tapered at both ends. Bottom end of wood shaft has been inserted into an egg shaped lump of clay. It is unclear as to whether clay has been fired at low temp. or sun dried. Clay egg appears to have been first painted with a gray wash and then had stripes of reddish brown painted over the wash and around the circumference of the clay. Spindle whorl appears to have had little if any use. Is in good shape.

Consistent with donor description as from Maiduguri (Borun Province, Northern Nigeria). Wood (bamboo?) & clay. Clay has been painted. Spindle whorl for spinning raw material (cotton/wool) into thread/yarn. Thin, round, smooth, twig of wood/bamboo(?) slightly tapered at both ends. Bottom end of wood shaft has been inserted into an egg shaped lump of clay. It is unclear as to whether clay has been fired at low temp. or sun dried. Clay egg appears to have been first painted with a gray wash and then had stripes of reddish brown painted over the wash and around the circumference of the clay. Spindle whorl appears to have had little if any use. Is in good shape. Length of wood shaft = 232mm. Width of shaft at widest point = 2.9mm. Length of clay (along shaft) = 26mm. Widest point of clay = 23.6mm. —Joel A Vanderburg

Donated

Locality Nigeria