Spindle whorle

Thin, flat, horn spindle whorl. Mounted on a reconstructed wooden spindle rod. The object has associations with textile work, but can in a burial context also be thought to evoke the Norns, the goddesses of destiny, who span and cut the threads of the destiny of life. Grave find, Stora Ihre, Hellvi Parish, Gotland.

Image rights: Helena Bonnevier, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0