Ancient Near East, Canaanite, ca. 5th to 3rd millennium BCE. A lovely ensemble of 5 stone spindle whorls, all exhibiting flattened bodies, smooth surfaces, and central drill holes. The implements are carved from a variety of different stones natural to Egypt and the Near East, and thus display a spectrum of hues, including ash gray, sandy beige, vanilla, peach, and chocolate. Spindle whorls were used to make thread. A dowel was inserted through the hole, to which plant fibers or wool were attached. The whorl was then spun in order to twist and compress the fibers into a thread. Size of largest: 3.5" Diameter x 0.75" W (8.9 cm x 1.9 cm)

Provenance: private Everett, Massachusetts, USA collection, purchased from Millea Bros Auction, Boonton, New Jersey, USA, 2017.

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#183303

Old losses to four, with softening to the abraded edges from age and exposure. Small chips and nicks throughout. Surface patina and wear to drill holes.