Bone tools used in textile production

Simple bone tools of the types shown here are known from various early medieval towns. They were used in different stages of cloth production. The circular spindle whorls, sawn from the long-bones of cattle, would weight a distaff, used in spinning thread. The plain long bones, each with one pointed end, are pin-beaters, used during weaving on a loom to push down the longitudinal threads. The needles, used in sewing, have seen much use; their surfaces are highly polished.

Acknowledgments: © 2015 Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter City Council