Viking Era Bone 十字模様の紡錘車の錘

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Ancient Viking bone spindle whorl, carved in a domed circular form with a central perforation. The upper surface is decorated with a cruciform geometric arrangement of cross-hatched panels and concentric ring-and-dot motifs.
Together, these elements create a double cruciform pattern, depending on whether the cross-hatched fields or the ring-and-dot motifs are viewed as the arms of the cross.

-> In the Viking Age, spindle whorls were essential tools of everyday domestic life and textile production. Spinning was a fundamental household activity, as yarn was needed for clothing, sails, cords and other necessities. Whorls were made from materials such as stone, bone, antler, clay and occasionally lead, and they occur very frequently on Viking settlements, showing how widespread and important spinning was. Because textile production was such a central part of Norse daily life and economy, spindle whorls are often seen as characteristic objects of Viking domestic culture, closely connected with the work of women in particular.

Diameter: ± 18,9 mm
Height: ± 7,9 mm

Condition: Good solid condition. The surface displays a warm reddish-brown tone with lighter beige areas and visible signs of wear consistent with age and use. The incised decoration remains clearly visible.

Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.

-> Spinning was carried out by attaching fibres, such as wool or flax, to a spindle fitted with a whorl that acted as a weight. As the spindle was set in motion, it twisted the fibres into a continuous thread, with the whorl helping to maintain momentum and even tension. The thickness of the thread could be controlled by the spinner, making it possible to produce yarns of varying quality for different types of textiles.