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

Roman distaff/finger quill with Venus 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, 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 is crowned with a depiction of the naked Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, holding her son Cupid in her arms. Based on the period-typical hairstyle depicted, the object can be clearly dated to the first half of the 3rd century.