Antique Excavated Black Clay Spindle Whorl Bead Collected In Mali, African Trade

Description

This is a blackish clay antique spindle whorl excavated from Mali. Spindle whorls usually have carved geometrical designs and large perforations. This spindle whorl has decoration. Although spindle whorls are often collected and strung like beads they are actually antique / ancient tools which were used for the utilitarian purpose of spinning thread by ancient weavers from the Niger River area and most especially the ancient city of
Djenne. Spindle whorls have been used since 1000 AD. See 'Beads of the World' page 32 by Peter Francis. Good overall rustic condition with surface wear and one of the bead ends has some old wear around the perforation. This specimen measures 1.35 inches long by 1.68 inches wide. Perfect for adding to any spindle whorl collection, African trade bead collection or for jewelry applications. I combine shipping on multiple buys so please be sure to check out my eBay store Mountainamma's Marketplace where I have thousands of items to browse from Africa and beyond. Buyers of multiple items use the request invoice link in your shopping cart or message me for help combining shipping before you buy.