The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 13, 2026

A circular disc of weathered bone forms this spindle whorl, centered by a round hole. Deeply incised patterns radiate across the cream-colored surface: sets of parallel lines extend from small circles, while arching rows and clusters of pits punctuate the face. A dark brown stain marks the upper right quadrant. Weathered pitting and intricate carvings create a rhythmic flow across the aged material, highlighting the organic texture of the object.

Spindle Whorl

700s–900s

Iran, early Islamic period

bone, incised
Overall: 0.5 x 2.3 x 2.3 cm (3/16 x 7/8 x 7/8 in.)
Gift of Edward Gans 1962.320
Location: Not on view
  • Ernst Herzfeld.
    1962–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Year in Review (1963). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (November 27, 1963-January 5, 1964).
  • {{cite web|title=Spindle Whorl|url=false|author=|year=700s–900s|access-date=13 April 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1962.320