ARCHEOLOGICAL WINCHES OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA

This paper introduces a proposed typology for spindle whorls from sites in the northern Maya lowlands, including Chichen Itza, Ciudad Caucel, Dzidzilche, Ek' Balam, Poxila, Siho, Isla Cerritos, Ichpaatun and Xaman Susula, which span the Preclassic through the Postclassic periods. The analysis of this sample is primarily based on the correlation of formal attributes of the spindle whorls, however, ceramic type, archaeological context, and decorative and symbolic elements are also considered. Our principal objective is to show evidence of continuity in the presence of the textile industry in the Yucatan peninsula, as well as changes in the form and use of the spindle whorls, which are probably associated with the spinning of cotton fibers. We propose that in the Maya area, spindle whorls are closely related to female labor, an argument supported by accounts from ethnohistorical sources, iconographic representations depicting activities associated with the production of textiles, and existing research on spindle whorls from other regions in Mesoamerica, principally central Mexico. We attempt to determine whether it is possible to obtain information about the types of fibers that were spun or more complex questions about the association of spindle whorls with gender and status which are recurrent issues in the interpretation of these archaeological materials.