Museum - Carved Spindle Holder On A Tripod Stand, Knife-carved Sculpture – Folk Art

Second half of the 18th century (dated 1766)

France

Velave workshop, Haute-Loire

A rare spindle holder carved from softwood, resting on an elegant tripod base, dated 1766 and bearing the inscription “INDF” engraved in a cartouche.

Intended to hold the distaff during spinning, this object is part of the tradition of village craftsmanship in the Haute-Loire, where artisan-farmers created richly decorated everyday objects during long evening gatherings. Both a household tool and a testament to folk craftsmanship, it is a remarkable example of 18th-century rural woodcarving.

The square shaft is entirely adorned with a knife-carved design consisting of six- and eight-petaled rosettes, leafy branches, stylized flowers, geometric friezes, and linear motifs characteristic of Vellave folk art. The design is punctuated by an upper cartouche bearing the date 1766 and the inscription “INDF,” likely referring to its owner or creator.

The tripod base, with its beautiful simplicity, ensures perfect stability for the entire piece and attests to its entirely handcrafted construction. The slender proportions of the shaft, combined with the delicacy of the decoration, give this piece a particularly elegant presence.

The surface features a beautiful antique patina with warm hues. The wear, small shrinkage cracks, signs of use, and old insect holes are consistent with its age.

Rare due to its great age, its abundant decoration, and its excellent condition, this distaff is a remarkable example of 18th-century folk art from the Haute-Loire.

Dimensions:

Height: 60 cm

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