Bronze spindle: c. 1500-1200 B.C.

Spindle whorls: c. 1200 B.C-600 A.D.

This extremely rare bronze spindle is finely decorated with a natural patina present and in very good condition. A similar example can be found currently at the British Museum. Such pieces are very seldom found in archaeological sites. This example was found in Jordan (the biblical city of Zarethan) as an unusual burial gift in the grave of a seven year old girl.

Spindle height: 9.6 inches (24.5 cms)

Also in the collection are 16 spindle whorls of various size and shape ranging in date from the Late Bronze Age to the Byzantine period in the Holy Land. These include:

One Large simple ivory Circular spindle-whorl, Late Bronze Age, c. 1500-1200 B.C.,
1.26 inches (3.2 cms) diameter.

One small but finely decorated ivory spindle-whorl, Late Bronze Age, c. 1500-1200 B.C.,
.7 inches (1.8 cms) diameter.

One small ivory whorl with incised decoration, Byzantine period, c. 400-600 A.D.,
.7 inches (1.8 cms) diameter.

One fine roman lead decorated spindle whorl, Roman Period, c. 100-300 A.D.,
.74 inches (1.9 cms).

One blue faience glazed and decorated spindle whorl, Probably Egyptian, c. 1500-1200 B.C.,
.67 inches (1.7 cms) diameter.

Five very nice Roman Glass circular spindle whorls, Roman Period, 100-300 A.D.,
.83-.90 inches (2.1-2.3 cms) diameter.

Six black and grey stone circular spindle whorls, some decorated, Late Bronze Age, 1500 BC –Late Iron Age, c.586 BC.,
varying sizes

Total 17 pieces.

Custom Lucite stand, shipping and Certificate of Authenticity included in price.

Export Approval from the Israel Antiquities Authority

Bibliography:
Jonathan Tubb, “Bible Lands , Discover the story of the Holy Land”, (New York,1991), 18-19.
Miriam Vamosh, “Daily Life at the Time of Jesus”, (Herzlia, Israel, 2000)

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The principal fibers used for weaving were sheep wool, goat hair, and flax - - a fibrous plant used to make linen. Before it could be formed into a thread, wool had to be washed, picked clean and combed straight. Then the fibers were spun to entwine them and draw them into a long, even strand. Usually a spindle, a weighted stick suspended in the air and spun on the thigh, was used (the use of the spindle is represented through a model in the exhibit). The spun fibers were then stretched upon the loom to weave into garments.

Antiquities