Truncated-biconical spindle-whorl with flat base
Unknown Artist
Spindle whorls aided in the making of cloth for garments and bedding. They were placed in tombs, perhaps so that the deceased could continue to spin wool in the afterlife.
Credit: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
c. 2000-1725 B.C.
Terracotta; hand-made
4.9cm
74.51.905
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection