The Iron Age

Spindle Whorl, Rainton Farm, Gatehouse

Period:

Iron Age

Description:

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.

Place of Discovery:

Rainton Farm, Gatehouse of Fleet

Materials/Media:

stone

Dimensions:

diameter (max): 41 mm diameter (hole): 8 mm depth (max): 10 mm

Source:

Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura

Accession number:

DUMFM:1955.28

Digital Number:

RPD0361