Roman distaff/finger spinner with female figure, 1st-2nd century, after a find in the Museum of the WMU Münster, approx. 19 cm, 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 bears a female figure in robes as decoration. The depiction may refer to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, or perhaps Juno, the patron goddess of women and family.
