Djenne Terracotta Spindle Whorl Beads, Mali

Description

A collection of thirty-three ancient Djenne terracotta spindle whorls beads. 
Each whorl has a different pattern with only three having a plain surface. 
In Mali, cotton is hand spun by women and the technique involves winding long strands of cotton onto a spinning stick, or spindle, known as a “Djenne”.
Attached to the tip of the stick is the large clay whorl that functions as a spinning weight causing the stick to turn smoothly. The whorl is usually decorated or painted intentionally so as to draw attention to the spindle whorl’s form and movement as it spins during weaving. 
Nice rich patina, some very minor chips, est; age 800-1000 years old – Collected in Mali.

The spindle whorls range in diameter from 2,8 to 4 cm (14/16″-1 1/2″) and in length from 2 to 2,5 cm (6/8″-1″)
Length of strand: 72,5 cm (28 1/2 inches)
Weight: 520 grams (2.2 lbs)