Long Strand of Ancient South American Manabi Terracotta Spindle Whorls

This splendid strand comprises 68 terracotta spindle whorls from the Machalilla people in the Manabi region of pre-Colombian Ecuador. Each is in excellent condition, and each is unique.

Many and probably most are carved and impressed with geometric patterns

The whorls vary in shape, size and colour. The colour variation can be accounted for by differing clay types used in their manufacture. Most are spherical but others are bell-shaped and others are more elongated.

A spindle whorl is a weighted item fitted to a spindle to help maintain the spindle’s speed of rotation while spinning yarn. These examples are bead-like and indeed, it is thought that either they also served as beads, or were later re-purposed as beads.

The whorls are in excellent condition. The surface of each shows light weathering consistent with having been buried. The whorls are threaded onto cotton twine. The strand does not have a closure but with the addition of one could be worn as a necklace.