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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Spindle Whorl
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Spindle Whorl

Artist/Maker (Central Valley, Mexico)
Dateca. 1350-1521
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 5/8 x 1 7/8 in. (1.6 x 4.8 cm)
ClassificationsTools and Equipment
Credit LineGift of C. Clay Aldridge
Terms
    Object number2003.51.115
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    DescriptionCeramic spindle whorls were used for spinning cotton and maguey fibers into thread. The thickness of the thread depended on the size and weight of the whorl: for thinner cotton thread, smaller whorls were used with a small vessel to balance the spindle. These two examples are profusely decorated with floral and geometric motifs, which derive from the close association between spinning and Xochiquetzal, the Aztec goddess of flowers, who is also associated with birds. Because spinning and weaving were related to ideals of female identity in Aztec times, spindle whorls are especially relevant when interpreting gender identity and household economy in archaeological contexts.
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Spindle Whorl
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Work Basket with Weaving Tools
    Chancay
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Vessel Lid
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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    Whorl
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    1200-1450
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Whorl
    Chancay
    1200-1450
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chicomecoatl, The Maize Goddess
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ritual Textile (Pua)
    Iban Dayak people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century (printed 1992)
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