Mayan spindle. These spindles are simple, portable and versatile. Ideal for beginners and experienced spinners alike, they are used with the "park and draft" method of spinning, and can be used virtually anywhere. Spin directly from the paddle or from the neck, whichever you feel comfortable with. Blade @8" x 1 1/2" x 3/8" Handle @7" x 5/8" The blade weighs @ 1oz. Originally from what is now Guatemala. The Maya traditionally used these spinners with plant fibers mostly Cotton & Maguey, prior to the introduction of sheep. When first cut Cherry is pale, but the tannins in the wood will oxidise and darken quite rapidly to a deep reddish brown in time. You can speed up this natural process, if you want, by exposing the blade to bright natural light. This is the only one that will change colour.