Re: What *is* that object those nymphs are holding?

[Dana Scott <dfscott@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Nick,
Here are some observations on what the nymphs may be holding in their hands.

f76v: Fleur-de-lis (top).  My preference with the Fleur-de-lis is to associate it
with Florence.

f76v: Whorl Spindle (second down)
http://www.geminifibres.com/images/spindle_20.jpg

Nick Pelling wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> Looking closely at the pictures in the balnaeological section, I noticed
> that many of them appear to be holding (pretty much) the same curious object:-
>
> f79v    top left nymph

              It looks to me like she is hold a cross.

>
>         second nymph down

           Wedding Vows Ring (I have seen this in a woodcut/drawing, same shape and
exactly as big as this one held by both bride and groom during vows I believe)

>
> f80r    second nymph on top row

             Possibly a spindle whorl:
             http://www.bountifulspinweave.com/images/kundert_spindle_side.JPG
             http://www.bountifulspinweave.com/images/bosworth_spindle_whorl.jpg
             http://www.bountifulspinweave.com/fancy_spindles_bosworth_kundert.htm

>
>         (what the bottom left nymph is holding is another matter entirely!!)

And what is the lass above her on the left holding (f80v, second row, column 1)?

>
> f80v    top left nymph (long version?)

This is a spindle. I have seen it referred to as an alchemical symbol though I do
not know in what context. Looks like same spindles referrenced above with wool/yarn
on the shaft. I do not know where the whorl spindle originated but I believe the
Aztecs may have used this same technique:

http://ehs.pvt.k12.ca.us/ehs/projects/9899/AC/america/ACAlex

http://www.woolery.com/dropspinfr.html
http://interweave.com/events/SOAR/images/spindle.jpg

Spindle Whorl:
http://www.traces.nu/artifacts_medieval/spinsteen_lood.jpg

>
>         second nymph down
>
> I don't know what it is, I just thought I'd flag it as an item of interest. :-)
>
> Cheers, .....Nick Pelling.....

Regards,
Dana Scott