Simple stick distaff of turned wood with a small pointed ball finial at the top. The shaft tapers outwards towards the base, then tapers inwards to form a peg to attach it to the distaff holder.
Dimensions
Height
18 in
Width
2-1/2 in
Materials
Material Notes
possibly maple
Interpretative Labels
Label Type
Cultural/Historical Context
Label
Distaffs were designed to hold unspun fibers. Processed flax was dressed onto the distaff in a fine web, which allowed the spinner to draw the strands into a continuous, uniform yarn.