Distaff (rokkehode)

A distaff, called a rokkehode in Norwegian, is a stick or staff holding fibres ready for spinning, such as wool, tow or flax. It may accompany hand spinning or be attached to a spinning wheel. It holds the unspun material rather than collecting finished yarn like a bobbin.

Handheld and mounted forms

A handheld distaff could be held under the arm or placed in a belt or pocket. Bands could secure the material, while notches near the top helped retain the fibres. Examine the construction and attachment of each example. The Norwegian term also covers the fibre holder mounted on a wheel, not necessarily the complete spinning wheel.

Assessment

Record attachment traces, notches, wear and replacements. Note decoration, inscriptions and dimensions without assigning a more certain date than the evidence supports. Distinguish the holder from a spindle that twists and collects thread and from loose wheel components with other functions. Decoration alone does not identify a wooden staff as a distaff.

Sources: Det Norske Akademis ordbok: Rokkehode; Audun Dybdahl, SNL: Håndrokk.