səl̓səl̓tən (Spindle Whorl)
About this object
History of use
Homer Barnett (1955) notes that spindle whorls used by the southern Coast Salish of British Columbia are larger than those used in the north, with a shaft that is twice as long as the whorl. In the north, fibres were spun on smaller whorls that were "twirled between the leg and palm (1955:118)." By contrast, whorls such as this one were used to spin fibres that were suspended from overhead. This arrangement created a tension in the roving. Johnson and Bernick (1986) report that traditionally several different techniques were used for turning the spindle, however, contemporary weavers now make use of a spinning machine that is similar in appearance to a treadle sewing machine.
Narrative
Purchased by the collector at Koksilah.
Cultural context
weaving; spinning
Specific techniques
Made from a square piece of wood which had its corners rounded to create this circular object.
Physical description
Rounded, wooden disc with a hole perforating the center. One surface is slightly concave and the other is slightly convex. The convex surface has two darkened parallel lines along one side. Both sides have small chisel marks on their surfaces. The wood is a red-brown colour with darkened areas.
Materials
Date Acquired
18 Nov 1998
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
The Tom & Frances Richardson CollectionMore...
Measurements
Overall: 1.4 cm x 19.9 cm x 19.6 cm
Object Number
Nbz900