Since it is handmade, the spindle is an age-old instrument within the family of the Tibetan community, especially one that lives mainly in the higher altitudes. In Himachal Pradesh, it is used in Spiti Valley and Dharamsala. Both these locations have a large Tibetan community. Tibetans spin the wool entirety into a very fine thread for weaving garments, carpets, and ritual cloths as one functional tool in the entire textile-making process of the Tibetan peoples.
Spindle thus defined is composed of two components: small flat piece of wood serving as either base or whorl over which is inserted a vertical wooden stick through its center that makes it the spindle rod. Another way of working with the tool is that of spinning, where a soft rotary motion is used by the spinner to completely turn raw wool that could be yak, sheep, or goat into yarn. Light in weight and portable, this spinning tool allows women to spin threads while seated or walking or while engaged in some other activity. By this tool, all that a Tibetan woman does at home is put into perspective her long and largely indigenous craftsmanship in weaving and handwork.

Although spinning is considered domestic labour, it is indeed the rite of culture handed down from generation to generation and tells of self-sufficiency along with their craftsmanship and sustainability for all the tribes. Spindle has, till now, become a symbol of Tibetan heritage and identity especially within Himachal Pradesh exile communities who still keep sustaining this tradition in a way.