Found on the surface of a field in Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, this is a large example of a spindle whorl. While the whorl is undecorated, it is composed of a polished decorative stone with marled red and pink colours. It has a small central hole tapering inwards, flat faces and a flat edge.
Spindle whorls.
Combed or carded fibre was spun on a spindle fitted with a whorl which gave it momentum as it turned. Most textiles of this period were made of wool. The raw fibre and clothes made from it were often traded between tribes.