Spindle

Item number Sa169 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Drop spindle with brown stained wooden shaft which gradually thickens from each end toward a clay whorl placed 3.5 cm from lower end. Spindle holds spun natural brown, short staple cotton with raw cotton ball attached.

History Of Use

Pre-Conquest and colonial spindles were elaborately decorated. The spinner holds the cotton in one hand and with the other hand operated the spindle which rests in a small clay dish, gourd or shell. Cotton spinning, now rare, is sometimes used to attract tourists.