Throughout history, the spindle whorl has been a symbol of domesticity and femininity, a metaphor for woman's contribution to society. The spindle whorl is used to weight the wool as it is being spun into thread, and examples have been found in every part of the world. Spinning was considered a worthy activity even for women of noble birth. This early stone spindle whorl, created in the Euphrates Valley, is engraved with elaborate cuneiform writing. Quite possibly it is a prayer to the gods for a happy and healthy life. Such invocations are eternal, which the passage of time cannot alter.