Roman distaff/finger spinner, with rooster decoration, 3rd century, after a find in the Museum of the WMU Münster, approx. 19 cm

Roman distaff/finger quill, with rooster decoration, 3rd century, after a find in the Museum of the WMU Münster, approx. 19 cm, polished bone Distaffs helped hold the wool during spinning. In reality, however, their practical purpose played a secondary role. Distaffs were primarily prestige objects with which one could display one's wealth. Accordingly, they were often decorated. This distaff bears a rooster's head at the top. The rooster was the companion animal of the god Mercury, the patron deity of crafts.