Roman distaff/finger spinner with Venus decoration, 1st-3rd century, after a find from the art trade, polished bone, approx. 19 cm

Roman distaff/finger spinner with Venus decoration, 1st-3rd century, after a find from the art trade, polished bone, approx. 19 cm Distaffs helped hold the wool during spinning. In reality, their practical purpose played a secondary role. Distaffs were primarily prestige objects with which to display one's wealth. Accordingly, they were often decorated. This distaff is decorated with a depiction of the so-called Venus pudica. The goddess of beauty wears a diadem and a hip cloak and holds her hands over her breasts and private parts. Her symbolic animal, the dolphin, is also depicted on her left side.