4 Vintage African Spindle Beads

Description

These are 4
a blackish clay, antique, spindle whorl  beads excavated from Mali. Spindle whorls usually have carved geometrical designs and large perforations. This spindle whorl has decoration. Although spindle whorls are often collected and strung like beads they are actually antique / ancient tools which were used for the utilitarian purpose of spinning thread by ancient weavers from the Niger River area and most especially the ancient city of Djenne.  These 4 spindle wholrs  are in good overall condition but have some  slight surface wear. These specimen measure  just under one inch long by  - 24mm 3/4of an  inch wide - 20 cm. Perfect for adding to any spindle whorl collection, African trade bead collection or for
jewellery
applications.