The Origin Of The Purse
The earliest known purses were, not surprisingly, used by the ancient Egyptians. Hieroglyphics have been found where you can see people carrying a pouch like object tied around their waist. But there is an instance where the famous ancient iceman, the “otzi iceman” a 5000 year old mummy found in the Alps near the Austrian and Italian border, was carrying a leather purse.
Come the 1500s, leather purses began to appear in Europe. Social standing had much to do with their designs. Basically, the grander they look the richer or more powerful the owners are. These purses, however, were primarily worn by women, ladies to be exact.
Men had to wait until the 1600s for it to be socially acceptable for them to have purses. Theirs were grander than the women’s purses before their time. They could have gold embroidered in them. They also gave their brides purses with embroidered pictures. Women then used to display their purses to everyone, but as their dresses grew larger they could hide the purses inside their skirts. In the 1700s, men started wearing their pants with pockets. This evolution in fashion practically killed their practice of carrying purses. They now had small bags to hold coins. Probably, the leather coin purse was first used at this period. Before, their purses were usually just cloth tied with strings.
By the 18th century neo- classical clothing came into fashion and women became more conscious of what they wore. Women went back to carrying their bags. The reason for this was dual. They did not want to ruin their dress by putting the purse or bags under their dress and also when carried, a well embroidered bag becomes a fashionable accessory that would complement their dress. But it was not until the 20th century women started to call their bags hand bags in America. By then bags were no longer simple compartments with only one area to put their belongings. They became more sophisticated “carrying tools” that had 2 or more compartments. And it was around this time that handbags were no longer required to match Women’s clothes.
During World War 2 plastic was used for the first time, and after the war in the 1950′s all the major design labels got on the band wagon and there has been no looking back for bags or purses of any kind. Because as we all know when one or more respected design house starts manufacturing something that product tends to get instant credibility. Nowadays it’s simply unimaginable to see women leave their homes without their trusted bags. Hand bags are quit frankly their “home away from home”.
Looking to find the best deal on a Leather Coin Purse, then visit www.LeatherCoinPurse.org to find the best advice for you.