Spinning in the 5th millennium in the Southern Levant: Aspects of the Textile Economy

Artifacts and products related to spinning became relatively abundant in the southern Levant during the latter half of the 5th millennium BCE. Contrary to widespread scholarly opinions wool was not used for yarn production. Flax was the only fibre used. All the sites with remains of textiles or evidence for intensification of spinning are currently within the semi-arid zone, lacking the conditions favoured for flax cultivation or excess water for processing. A dramatic increase in spinning is attested by a profusion of lightweight, sherd spindle whorls used in the drop spinning technique at some of the semi-arid zone sites. In tandem with the pronounced rise in the frequency of whorls is the earliest known appearance of spinning bowls.