Ancient Roman bronze bird topped distaff spinning tool

 Ancient Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A cast bronze distaff used as a wool-wrapping tool prior to spinning thread. Topped with a stylized standing bird. Large bunches of wool were first hooked around the bird's beak and then wrapped around the body before the end was fed through the ring hole. This ring enabled one to spin tight woolen threads around a separate instrument without creating an unruly mess of hair or spun thread. In lovely condition with as dug patination. 16.5cms long.