Beaded Bags through the ages

There is evidence of beaded bags existing for as long as history has been recorded. A painting displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England, dated from 480 B.C., shows a boy holding a knucklebone filled "purse." African priests were known to carry beaded bags, as well as peasants in early rural areas that used bags to carry seeds. Beaded bags come in various sizes and styles, as well as many different ways to clutch or hold onto the bag. Throughout history, beaded bags have earned their own place in the fashion industry.

With the many facets that are presented in beaded bags from size and shape, to even how the beads are put on, you are sure to find a bag that suits your style and price range, from handcrafted to factory made. Beads can be hand sewn, woven, knitted, crocheted, or glued on. Beaded bags have been well sought after, cherished, and displayed ever since their creation. With the new varieties of beads that are available in today's society, the choices for beaded bags are endless depending upon the imagination of the designer.

During the 1900s, beaded bags were often found with very fine tiny beads that would have up to a thousand beads per square inch. During the 1800s and 1900s, a drawstring handle would be attached; this is called a reticule bag. Often, the reticule bag would have a romantic or rural scene, or a figurine. The beaded bag became a necessity to carry small items, from handkerchiefs to coins or keys, because women's dresses did not have pockets. These bags were often highly valued, and patterns were protected as the secrets were passed down through family members. These reticule bags were known as an "indispensable," even being carried by the Empress Josephine at all times during the 19th century.

Older beads from the 1800s are often used to create a new bag along with the frame if it is in good enough condition. You may be able to find a beaded bag that has been signed and dated; however, this is a rarity and a priceless find. With links that were decorated ornately, chains that were attached to the frames, feathers, or additional beads, the handles of these beaded bags can be just as decorative as the bags themselves.

The frames that were used for the beaded bags from the1820s to 1830s could be made to resemble gold or tortoise shell; these frames were made out of an alloy of zinc and copper called pinchbeck, generally coming from Austria and France. As times changed, frames were made out of different products such as solid gold, nickel, amber, sterling silver, celluloid, ivory, and ormolu, which is a copper and tin alloy that looks like gold.

Another very popular type of beaded bag, originating from Native Americans, was decorated with brightly coloured beads and made out of chamois rather than velvets, silks, or other varied fabrics. Often, these bags were placed in kits with step-by-step instructions for American women to make the bags at home. As with all things in fashion, "everything old is new again." Beaded bags have always been a favourite of the modern day woman and will never truly go out of fashion.

Beaded Bags and more can be found at beadedbags.co.uk