It's been pointed out before that the Thing is asymmetrical. I didn't make much of this, since the VM isn't exactly known for its geometrical rigidity. But I just noticed that the one held low is asymmetrical in a similar way, which tips the scales in favor of intentional design.

VViews' opening pic for reference:

More Eleusian mysteries:



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It's closer than you'd think.

BL MS You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.  (ca. 1440 Rouen) features an image of "a queen with four women playing musical instruments." One of the "instruments" is vaguely thing-shaped, but I have no idea what it could be.

On consideration I'd say it's a distaff and the description is too generalizing.

That's what it looks like to me too, especially the way she has it tucked under her armpit. That's the way many spinners carried it if they were walking (or sitting) and spinning at the same time:

Strangely it looks kinda similar to the string instrument with the red lady, doesn't it? What's the name of that ?

It looks like a fairly typical lute.

The blue lady is harder to determine. Some kind of flute?

Flute was my guess but only because there are two other women with instruments. The way she is holding it is very odd. She's grasping it as though it's more straw-like than flute-like. If it weren't for the lute and horn being there, I don't think I would have guessed a musical instrument at all.

Looks like a mandolin to me.