A recently published PLOS ONE study details the discovery of 12,000-year-old perforated stones unearthed during extensive excavations in Israel. These artifacts may represent early evidence of spinning using a spindle and whorl.

The wheel-like stones, found at Nahal Ein-Gev II, accumulated over decades of digging, totaling 113 since 1972.

The collection comprises 48 completely perforated stones, 36 partially perforated fragments, and 29 unfinished pieces with one or two drill marks.

According to Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers Talia Yasuv and Leore Grosman, the stones are primarily limestone, weighing between 1 and 34 grams.

Researchers initially considered various possibilities for the stones’ purpose.

Yasuv explained that initial hypotheses were explored before concluding, based on shape, material, and hole characteristics, that they were likely spindle whorls.

High-resolution 3D modeling provided detailed analysis of the stones.

While appearing varied to the naked eye, Yasuv noted that 3D analysis revealed consistent features such as width/length ratio, centrally located center of mass, and perforation placement.

The study acknowledges that “use wear analysis” could strengthen their theory but fell outside the current research scope.

Alongside 3D modeling, a functionality test, conducted with traditional craft expert Yonit Kristal, evaluated the stones’ use as spindle whorls.

Despite initial difficulties, Kristal successfully spun wool and flax using replicas of the pebbles.

Surprisingly, parameters initially considered drawbacks proved advantageous for spinning, Yasuv reported.

Yasuv emphasizes the broader significance of this discovery beyond simply identifying the “earliest” example; additional discoveries could fit within their proposed evolutionary framework.

Through meticulous study, researchers concluded the stones were likely spindle whorls used for fiber spinning.

The researchers posit that these artifacts represent early stages in the development of rotational technologies, illustrating the mechanical principles of the wheel and axle and highlighting the technological innovations pivotal to the Neolithization of the Southern Levant.