We have already seen how an increase in the number of correspondences
between objects from distant countries increases the weight of their
evidence in favor of contact or communication between the peoples. If it
should be found upon comparison that the bobbins on which thread is to be
wound, as well as the spindle-whorls with which it is made, had been in
use during prehistoric times in the two hemispheres, it would add to the
evidence of contact or communication. The U. S. National Museum possesses
a series of these bobbins, as they are believed to have been, running from
large to small, comprising about one dozen specimens from Italy, one from
Corneto and the others from Bologna, in which places many prehistoric
spindle whorls have been found (figs. 367 and 368). These are of the type
Villanova. The end as well as the side view is represented. The former is
one of the largest, the latter of middle size, with others smaller forming
a graduating series. The latter is engraved on the end by dotted incisions
in three parallel lines arranged in the form of a Greek cross. A similar
bobbin from Bologna bears the sign of the Swastika on its end (fig.
193).[314] It was found by Count Gozzadini and forms part of his
collection in Bologna.
[Illustration: Fig. 367. BOBBIN OR SPOOL FOR WINDING THREAD (?). Type
Villanova. Corneto, Italy. U. S. National Museum.]
[Illustration: Fig. 368. TERRA-COTTA BOBBIN OR SPOOL FOR WINDING THREAD
(?). Type Villanova. Bologna, Italy. Cat. No. 101771, U. S. N. M.]