| Collection | ABDUA University of Aberdeen, Human Culture Collection |
| Object Name | Spindle whorl |
| 283 286 236 |
| Object Number | ABDUA:19157 |
| Other Number | A521+11 |
| Other Number Type | Old number |
| Brief Description | Shape, flat, Decoration, (top) ring-cross (base) debased interlace. Museum's 'Slip Catalogue', 'Lost probably when nearly new, Design would contain a blessing or charm' |
| Dimensions | Dia, 37 mm Th, 10 mm |
| Materials | Stone,sandstone |
| Condition | Good |
| Completeness | Complete |
| Associated Object Number | LEMUR:1000390 |
| Technique | Carved |
| Object Production Date | 1400-1500 |
| Place Key | Europe, Scotland, North East, Woodend Birse Aberdeenshire |
| Field Collector | Thomson, Raymond |
| Publication Note | File |
| Caption | "Spindle whorl marked with X from the Forest of Birse (possibly 17th cent)."
Author: Inglis,Jim & Curtis,Neil Date: 1990 Purpose: Encyclopaedia of the North-East
"Superstition and witchcraft were part of Highland life during the Medieval and later period. Folklore continued these beliefs into the 20th century. Many curious or notable objects, their original use being unknown, were kept as charms, often to ward off evil or witchcraft, or as charms against illness. This is a sandstone spindle whorl, like many others, carved with an incised design. On one side is a feather and dot design, while the other side has a design of four dots separated by panels with concentric arcs. There is also an 'X' incised on the whorl and it was used as a charm by a family at Woodend, Birse, Aberdeenshire in the 17th century."
Author: Feilden,Rosemary Date: 1999 Purpose: SCRAN
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| Aquisition Source | Thomson, Raymond |
| Aquisition Date | 06/05/1967 |