Hand-made Manx spinning wheel
Date made: early-mid 19th century
Maker: unknown
Description: This spinning wheel was originally used at Ballacollister, in the parish of Lonan.
It is a treadle operated, bobbin-flyer spinning wheel, of a conventional pattern. It is made predominantly in ash, with oak or chestnut and birch as minor secondary woods. The surface has residues of blue paint. A diamond shaped hole is cut into the surface of the table, probably to hold water to dampen the flax. The wheel is largely intact, except that the distaff and distaff holder are missing and one leg has been replaced.
The ability to spin wool into yarn was once considered an essential skill for any country woman; indeed it was an important consideration when choosing a marriage partner! The skill goes back to the Vikings (whose womenfolk were sometimes buried with spinning paraphernalia) and no doubt even further.
Measurements: overall: 91 cm x 89 cm x 40 cm
Materials: ash wood, birch wood, oak
Object name: spinning wheel
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1954-4006
Subject tags : #MM100COLLECTIONS