Celtic Lead Fusaioles (spindle dumplings) (No reserve price)
02
days
08
hours
21
minutes
33
seconds
Current bid
€ 5
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €5 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €4 | |
 | €1 |
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Keltic fusaioles (spinklosjes) made of lead, dating to about 100 BCE–300 CE, with a notched, star-shaped edge; ten weights in mixed condition, acquired from France from a private collection, authentic/original.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Five lead spindle whorls (fusaioles) with a toothed, star-shaped or serrated edge, often referred to as fusaioles à cabochons or à godrons. This type of cast lead specimen with such edges is typically dated from the Gallo-Roman period up to the early/high Middle Ages (c. 2nd to 14th centuries AD). The size ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 cm.
They served as flywheels for spinning wool/textiles. A wooden spindle (the spindle shaft) was threaded through the central hole. The weight of the lead acted as a flywheel to hold and stabilize the rotating motion of the spindle during hand-spinning of thread from fibers (such as wool or flax). The protrusions and serrations on the outer edge helped when pouring the molten lead into the mold and gave a better grip on the weight as someone gave the spindle an extra flick by hand. The symmetrical knobs (even weight distribution) ensured a stable rotation. Because lead is very heavy for its volume, these lead spindle whorls were compact, yet heavy enough to maintain a firm tension on the spun thread.
The last photo shows a booklet written about these objects.
N.B. added a small disk with a radial pattern on the front and back.
All objects were found in France and came from a collection in my possession through purchase.
Five lead spindle whorls (fusaioles) with a toothed, star-shaped or serrated edge, often referred to as fusaioles à cabochons or à godrons. This type of cast lead specimen with such edges is typically dated from the Gallo-Roman period up to the early/high Middle Ages (c. 2nd to 14th centuries AD). The size ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 cm.
They served as flywheels for spinning wool/textiles. A wooden spindle (the spindle shaft) was threaded through the central hole. The weight of the lead acted as a flywheel to hold and stabilize the rotating motion of the spindle during hand-spinning of thread from fibers (such as wool or flax). The protrusions and serrations on the outer edge helped when pouring the molten lead into the mold and gave a better grip on the weight as someone gave the spindle an extra flick by hand. The symmetrical knobs (even weight distribution) ensured a stable rotation. Because lead is very heavy for its volume, these lead spindle whorls were compact, yet heavy enough to maintain a firm tension on the spun thread.
The last photo shows a booklet written about these objects.
N.B. added a small disk with a radial pattern on the front and back.
All objects were found in France and came from a collection in my possession through purchase.
Details
Culture
Celtic
Century/timeframe
100 v.Chr. - 300 n. Chr.
Name of object
Fusaioles (spindle dumplings)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Mixed state of preservation
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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