Early Islamic Bone Spindle Whorls

Nishapur, c. 800–1100 AD, North-East Iran

A rare and captivating set of three carved bone spindle whorls, each elegantly formed in barrel and ribbed tubular shapes, their surfaces adorned with finely incised linear and geometric decoration. Subtle natural pink hues enrich the surface, imbuing these utilitarian objects with warmth and character. Once mounted on spindles, they were indispensable tools for spinning thread.

Excavated at Nishapur—a flourishing hub of art, trade, and scholarship along the Silk Road—these spindle whorls speak to the city’s long-standing textile traditions. They embody both functionality and artistry, ensuring the production of fine, evenly twisted threads essential for weaving the high-quality fabrics that defined Islamic luxury and daily life.

Though modest in scale, they are remarkable survivors, balancing elegance with practicality. Together, this trio offers a tangible connection to the rhythms of early Islamic domestic and artisanal life, making them a compelling addition for collectors of Islamic art, ancient tools, or textile history.

Good condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with encrusted patina and rich earthen deposits throughout. Size varies from approx. 0,5cm to 2,1cm. Sell as a set.

Provenance: Belgian private collection.

For a similar examples see:

Spindle Whorl, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 40.170.364 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/450041)