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Right: bottom-whorl-spindle with a stone whorl. The spindle shaft is made like the Bulgarian supported spindles only here a whorl has been added so it can be used as drop-spindle. Length: 12,2".

Greek bottom-whorl-spindle with metal hook, 1947. Length: 11,22"; whorl diameter 2,36".Carved in Greek language on the side of the wooden spindle whorl:
ΕΝΘΗΜΗΟ
ΤΗΣ 5/3/47
ΝΗΚΟΛΑΟ
ΒΗΔΟΥΡΑ
SOUVENIR
OF 5/3/47
NIKOLAO
VIDOURA

Iron spindles. Left: smaller center-whorl-spindle. Weight: 38.54 g (1.35 oz.); Length: 12.2". Right: larger spindle with the whorl situated on the upper part of the shaft. Weight: 99,60 g (3.51 oz.); Length: 15.94". Both disc-shaped spindle whorls show holes. This can be decoration as well as contribute to weight reduction.



Elaborately carved distaff with hook. 20th century. Length: 36.6".




Distaff with female figure. The inserted cross-shaped board shows the inscription "Γ. Ι. Μπαλωμενοs 1914". The present length of the distaff is 23.6", but a comparison with a similar distaff (see below), but with missing board, suggests that it was once longer. Either the distaff was intentionally shortened or rounded at the point of break.

"Erotokritos" is a romance composed by Vikentios Kornaros in early 17th century Crete.
For more information see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotokritos


The distaff is of the same type as the distaff from the province Kynouria, the distaffs on the postcard with the group of spinning women and the distaff of the woman riding on a donkey (detail right).



Greek country woman spinning.




Woman spinning, Village of Panaghia, Island of Thasos.
Greek Women spinning wool. Although both use the same spindle type they apply it differently.
The woman on the left holds the spindle with the spindle whorl down, has clamped a distaff under her arm and spins fine yarn. The woman on the right holds the spindle the other way around (whorl upwards), has no distaff, and spins very loose yarn, possibly for the production of a Flokati (pile carpet).
Image from the video on Youtube: Το γνέσιμο-Όλγα και Χαρίκλεια Θάνου 4.8.2008