Old wheel pulley in wood on metal base. India

The wooden wheel in question is part of an ancient spinning frame, an instrument traditionally used to transform natural fibers such as silk or cotton into thread. This wheel was a key element in the manual spinning process, before the industrialization of textiles. It is often associated with historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, who used it to produce his own tunics as part of his civil disobedience movement, "Swadeshi", aimed at promoting Indian self-sufficiency and boycotting British goods.

The wooden wheel, usually circular in shape, is attached to a central axis. It is surrounded by several spokes that support a rod or spindle, on which the fiber is wound as it is spun. This wheel turns thanks to a crank, which allows the force necessary to stretch and transform the fiber into a continuous thread. The operator operates the wheel using the crank while guiding the fibers onto the spindle. The entire tool is often made by hand, with simple materials such as wood, sometimes accompanied by a hook or some kind of bobbin to wind the thread.

The appearance of the wheel is typically rustic: it can be made of oak or teak wood, with parts carefully fitted and assembled. Its surface is often smooth from years of use, and the wheel itself can be decorated with simple patterns or symbolic incisions. The tool, although effective, requires patience and skill to produce quality thread.

This spinning loom became a symbol of Gandhi's resistance to British rule, embodying the struggle for independence and artisanal autonomy.

Dimensions: 55x60x15cm

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