Ceremonial spindle whorl, 10th-15th century, 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 in. (8.3 x 8.3 cm), Stone, Mexico or Guatemala, 10th-15th century, According to Maya worldview, the Sun's cyclical journey across the sky, through the underworld, and back again began with the whirling of a spindle. This cosmic relationship is referenced in the carvings which adorn this spindle whorl; the personified sun and its rays of light would be set in motion by the actions of the spinner. The whorl - a fly wheel to give momentum to the rotating spindle - thus becomes a symbol of the world's creation, connecting the creative

Ceremonial spindle whorl, 10th-15th century, 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 in. (8.3 x 8.3 cm), Stone, Mexico or Guatemala, 10th-15th century, According to Maya worldview, the Sun's cyclical journey across the sky, through the underworld, and back again began with the whirling of a spindle. This cosmic relationship is referenced in the carvings which adorn this spindle whorl; the personified sun and its rays of light would be set in motion by the actions of the spinner. The whorl - a fly wheel to give momentum to the rotating spindle - thus becomes a symbol of the world's creation, connecting the creative Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

Penta Springs Limited / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

2T90Y7A

File size:

48.6 MB (1.8 MB Compressed download)

Releases:

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Dimensions:

4785 x 3550 px | 40.5 x 30.1 cm | 16 x 11.8 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

20 December 2022

Photographer:

Penta Springs

More information:

This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.