[MR] A New-year’s Double Header

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Today I want to call your attention to two recent archaeological finds of
great interest.

Archaeology News is reporting on the discovery of a 13th century spindle
whorl decorated with *swastika* symbols. The piece was found in the remains
of a weaving mill near Tønsberg, Norway, and is carved from red sandstone.

The context of the find shows the *swastika* symbols have nothing to do
with Nazism or anti-semitism. The symbol is frequently found in Nordic
medieval contexts, as well as Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Native American
decorative art, and was thought to invoke good fortune.

The whorl can be seen at
https://archaeologymag.com/2024/12/13th-century-spinning-whorl-with-swastika-in-norway/
.

Our second find is reported in the History Blog and concerns a
migration-period brooch found near Rostock and the German Baltic coast. The
7th century piece is gilded silver, with cloisonné-set garnets backed by
gold foil.

The lovely brooch can be seen at
https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/72053 .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep the original Merry Rose relevant and in
business.