Spindle Item Number: Sa234 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Spindle consisting of a wooden shaft that tapers to a point with a spherical whorl positioned near one end of stick. Both pieces are covered in dark brown deposit. Spun and unspun white cotton fibre is wrapped around the centre of the stick.

History Of Use

Cotton hand-spinning is a centuries old practice in Guatemala which has declined with the availability of commercial yarn. Native cotton is now only grown in the region of Mazatenango and distributed to highland markets (O'Neale). 2 types of native cotton are available, a white (gossypium hirsutum l.) and a brown (gossypium mexicanum tod).

Cultural Context

spinning