Spindle

(Glossary Term)

A stick used for spinning thread, sometimes weighted with a whorl made of wood, bone, stone or clay. In southeast Asia, the fluffed cotton fiber is drawn out with the fingers, then twisted into yarn with the aid of the spindle, which may be spun suspended in the air (drop spindle) or in a bowl on ground. The spun yarn accumulates around the base of the spindle. The spinning wheel, which is also found in the region, is more efficient for preparing yarn. But the spindle whorl persists in eastern parts of Indonesia because of its simplicity and portability.