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Spindle, Weight, Loom, D2012.85

Physical Description

Thin, round, smooth, twig of wood/bamboo(?) slightly tapered at both ends. Bottom end of wood shaft has been inserted into a basket shaped or urn shaped lump of clay. It is unclear as to whether clay has been fired at low temp. or sun dried. Clay has been painted with various stripes and triangles of black, white, and reddish brown . Wood shaft extends only part way into clay, so end of shaft is actually the clay. Also wood shaft has a painted section of black, white, and reddish brown striped of varying widths running around the circumference. Spindle whorl appears to have had little if any use. Is in good shape.

Research Notes

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 a basket shaped or urn shaped lump of clay. It is unclear as to whether clay has been fired at low temp. or sun dried. Clay has been painted with various stripes and triangles of black, white, and reddish brown . Wood shaft extends only part way into clay, so end of shaft is actually the clay. Also wood shaft has a painted section of black, white, and reddish brown striped of varying widths running around the circumference. Spindle whorl appears to have had little if any use. Is in good shape. Length of wood shaft with clay extension = 254mm. Width of shaft at widest point = 3.2mm. Length of clay (along shaft) = 35mm. Widest point of clay = 24.4mm. —Joel A Vanderburg

Provenance

Donated
Locality

Measurements

Length: 253mm

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