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Spindle Whorl
Greek, South Italian
Archaic or Classical Period
7th–4th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 2.5 x 4 cm (1 x 1 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. James P. Tolman
Accession Number22.735
CollectionsEurope, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Textile- and costume-making
DescriptionSpindle whorl. Octagon with hole through center. Black glaze undecorated.
ProvenanceAccording to the MFA Annual Report for 1902 the Buffum collection included a group of objects that "were all found at Palestrina many years ago, in the excavations conducted by Signor Castellani, Mr. Buffum being present at the time of their discovery"; by date unknown: William Arnold Buffum Collection (died 1901); by date unknown: collection of his niece, Mrs. James P. Tolman; gift of Mrs. James P. Tolman to MFA, November 16, 1922