8. WHORLS
Pottery whorls of about 1½ in. to 3 in. in diameter have been found in hundreds. These were used by old natives for drawing the threads out of a mass of cotton. A stick was passed through the centre, and the bottom end was inserted in the cotton, while the upper part was twisted round quickly between the palms of the hand. Most whorls are cut out of fragments of native bowls and pots. Many old natives will explain how they were used. These clay whorls are found in old deserted villages and in Makalanga débris heaps. The native children search for them, and use them as tops. It is said they were once also employed in creating sparks for a fire, but to-day the natives twirl the sticks between their palms without using a whorl. A few soapstone whorls have been found, but not in any position suggesting antiquity. The Makalanga of but a generation past were adepts in carving soapstone.