All the way from the Republic of Mali – a landlocked country in West Africa that borders seven other countries, these 100-year old antique spindle whorls have to be seen to be appreciated.
Measuring between 35-40mm across, these whorls have passed their use-by date and now have become sought after by collectors and people bent on creating outrageous and beautifully extravagant necklaces.
Handmade from charcoal coloured black clay, to which the manufacturing process called for a mixture of water oil and gum added to the mix.
Hand-shaped and designs engraved into the still moist clay, the whorls are now ready to dry in the perpetual sunshine before they’re ready to cook in the oven.
In its heyday, the spherical spindle whorl was attached to a spindle to increase and maintain the speed of the actual spin.
These days, the spindle whorl has been replaced by the spinning wheel.
This collection would provide lots of potential for creativity for those artisans with a bent for creating a piece of jewellery that was absolutely amazing.
They work quite well in the creation of stylish Boho or Vintage inspired jewellery.
Just imagine – almost all colours of other beads or stones will work well together with the whorl.
And affordable at $10.00 each. They weigh in at 170 grams.
The accompanying photos illustrate what to expect in your order.