Spindle with Whorl

Culture: Chancay, c.1000–1470
Period: Late Intermediate period, c.1000–1476
Date: c.1000–1400
Material: Wood, ceramic, and pigment
made in: Peru, South America
Classification: Ceramics, tools & equipment
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 12 1/8 × 9/16 in. (30.8 × 1.5 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Rabbi and Mrs. Ferdinand Isserman
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 58:1970.1

NOTES

A weaver’s tools were works of art in themselves, as seen in this brightly colored "Spindle with Whorls." Individual weavers likely personalized their tools by painting their spindles and whorls in specific color patterns. Such small spindles were used to spin fine fibers into thread; some still remains wound atop several ceramic spindle whorls.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.