African Antique Spindle Whorl Trade Beads - $250 - (Hoquiam, WA)

Antique African example of spindle whorl clay trade beads. These beads were handmade in Djenne, Mali, West African. Very detailed hand crafted. The condition is very good. Highly collectible. Used originally as traditional cotton spinner. This is a collection of twenty-five old Djenne terracotta or clay spindle whorl beads. They are more accurately known as spindle whorls, each has a unique and different pattern. In Mali, cotton is hand spun by women, the technique involves winding long strands of cotton onto a spinning stick, or spindle, known as a "Djenne". Attached to the tip of the stick, the large clay Djenne serves as a spinning weight that allows the stick to turn smoothly. The whorl is usually decorated or painted intentionally so as to draw attention to the whorl's form and movement as it spins during weaving. These spindle whorls range in diameter from 2,8 to 4 cm (14/16"-1 1/2"), and in length from 2 to 2,5 cm (6/8"-1"). Length of strand is of 72,5 cm (28 1/2inches).

Posted in Hoquiam, WA, Collectibles
From ebay.com - 1 month ago