A handbag, commonly known as a purse or pocketbook in North American English, is a handled medium-to-large bag used to carry personal items.

Purse, handbag or pouch

The term "purse" originally referred to a small bag for holding coins. In many English-speaking countries, it is still used to refer to a small money bag. A "handbag" is a larger accessory that holds objects beyond currency, such as personal items. American English typically uses the terms purse and handbag interchangeably. The term handbag began appearing in the early 1900s. Initially, it was most often used to refer to men's hand-luggage. Women's bags grew larger and more complex during this period, and the term was attached to the accessory. "Pocketbook" is another term for a woman's handbag that was most commonly used on the East Coast of the United States in the mid-twentieth century.

Modern origin

Early modern Europeans wore purses for one sole purpose: to carry coins. Purses were made of soft fabric or leather and were worn by men as often as ladies; the Scottish

sporran The sporran (; Scottish Gaelic and Irish for " purse"), a traditional part of male Scottish Highland dress, is a pouch that performs the same function as pockets on the pocketless kilt. Made of leather or fur, the ornamentation of the sporran is ...

is a survival of this custom. In the 17th century, young girls were taught embroidery as a necessary skill for marriage; this also helped them make very beautiful handbags. By the late 18th century, fashions in Europe were moving towards a slender shape for these accessories, inspired by the silhouettes of Ancient Greece and Rome. Women wanted purses that would not be bulky or untidy in appearance, so ''reticules'' were designed. Reticules were made of fine fabrics like silk and velvet, carried with wrist straps. First becoming popular in France, they crossed over into Britain, where they became known as "indispensables." Men, however, did not adopt the trend. They used purses and

pocket A pocket is a bag- or envelope-like receptacle either fastened to or inserted in an article of clothing to hold small items. Pockets are also attached to luggage, backpacks, and similar items. In older usage, a pocket was a separate small bag o ...

s, which became popular in men's trousers. The modern purse, clutch, pouch, or handbag came about in England during the Industrial Revolution, in part due to the increase in travel by railway. In 1841 the Doncaster industrialist and confectionery entrepreneur Samuel Parkinson (of butterscotch fame) ordered a set of traveling cases and trunks and insisted on a traveling case or bag for his wife's particulars after noticing that her purse was too small and made from a material that would not withstand the journey. He stipulated that he wanted various handbags for his wife, varying in size for different occasions, and asked that they be made from the same leather that was being used for his cases and trunks to distinguish them from the then-familiar carpetbag and other travelers' cloth bags used by members of the popular classes. H. J. Cave (London) obliged and produced the first modern set of luxury handbags, as we would recognize them today, including a clutch and a tote (named as 'ladies traveling case'). These are now on display in the Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam. H. J. Cave did continue to sell and advertise the handbags, but many critics said that women did not need them and that bags of such size and heavy material would 'break the backs of ladies.' H. J. Cave ceased to promote the bags after 1865, concentrating on trunks instead, although they continued to make the odd handbag for royalty, celebrities or to celebrate special occasions, the Queen's 2012 Diamond Jubilee being the most recent. However, H.J. Cave resumed handbag production in 2010.

20th century

When handbags started to become popularized, they were heavily criticized as it was seen as unfeminine. In the early 20th century, Sigmund Freud argued that purses were sexually suggestive as the structure of the purse symbolized female genitalia and sexuality. Before handbags, pockets were secured inside of a woman's dress which held personal items and retrieving items was done discreetly and modestly. Due to handbags being carried in the open, the accessory exposed a woman's personal items. Freud compared women retrieving items from their purse as a representation of masturbation. According to Freud's argument, women who carried purses openly displayed their sexuality due to the sexual symbolism of the purse. As handbags grew into the mainstream in the 20th century, they began to transform from purely practical items to symbols of the wearer's wealth and worth in society. The styles, materials, prices, and, most importantly, the brand names of purses and handbags became just as (if not more) valuable than the functionality of the bags themselves. Handbags transitioned from being seen as unfeminine, to being seen as specifically feminine and unmasculine. While women's bags served as fashion accessories not meant to hold more than a few personal and beauty items (feminine things), men's bags stayed more in the realm of briefcases: square, hard-edged, plain; containing items pertaining to the “man’s world”: business-related items, documents, files, stationery and pens. The gendered division between the personal bag and the business bag meets in the middle with the unisex alms purse originating in the Middle Ages meant to carry coins to donate to the church or the poor. The charitable symbolism of the alms purse later carried over to women's handbags in general; a woman carrying a bag was seen as upper class and therefore potentially using the bag to hold her donations. During the 1940s, the rationing of textiles for World War II led to the manufacturing of handbags made in materials like

raffia Raffia palms (''Raphia'') are a genus of about twenty species of palms native to tropical regions of Africa, and especially Madagascar, with one species (''R. taedigera'') also occurring in Central and South America. ''R. taedigera'' is the sour ...

or crocheted from yarn. Some women crocheted their own small handbags from commercial patterns during this period.

Men's bags

The oldest known purse dates back more than 5000 years, and was a pouch worn by a man, Ötzi the Iceman. Men once carried coin purses. In early modern Europe, when women's fashions moved in the direction of using small ornamental purses, which evolved into handbags, men's fashions were moving in another direction. Men's trousers replaced men's breeches during the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, and pockets were incorporated in the loose, heavy material. This enabled men to continue carrying coins, and then paper currency, in small leather wallets. Men's pockets were plentiful in the 19th century and 20th century trousers and coats, to carry possessions, such as pipes, matches, and knives, and they were an item frequently mended by their wives. Men's purses were revived by designers in the 1970s in Europe. Since the 1990s, designers have marketed a more diverse range of accessory bags for men. The names man bag, man-purse and murse have been used. The designs common in the U.S. are typically variations on backpacks or messenger bags, and have either a masculine or a more unisex appearance, although they are often more streamlined than a backpack and less bulky than a briefcase. These bags are often called messenger bags or organizer bags. In many other countries, it is common for men to carry small rectangular shoulder bags, often made of leather. The leather satchel is also common. Men's designer bags are produced by well-known companies such as

Prada Prada S.p.A. (, ; ) is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1913 in Milan by Mario Prada. It specializes in leather handbags, travel accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear, and other fashion accessories. Prada licenses its name and branding t ...

, Louis Vuitton,

Coach Coach may refer to: Guidance/instruction * Coach (sport), a director of athletes' training and activities * Coaching, the practice of guiding an individual through a process ** Acting coach, a teacher who trains performers Transportation * Co ...

, and

Bottega Veneta Bottega Veneta () is an Italian luxury fashion house based in Milan, Italy. Its product lines include ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, and jewelry; and it licenses its name and branding to Coty, Inc. for fragrances. History Found ...

in a variety of shapes and sizes. The global men's bag and small leather goods trade is a $4-billion-a-year industry. Sales of men's accessories including "holdall" bags are increasing in North America.

Types

As a fashion accessory, handbags can be categorized according to the silhouette of the bag, as well as the type of handle. * Baguette: a small, narrow, rectangular shape purse, resembling a French loaf of bread (baguette). * Barrel: shaped like a barrel or closed tube, usually with shoulder-length straps. * Bowling bag: a popular 1990s "retro" style for younger women, modeled after American bags used to carry bowling balls. * Bucket bag: a round bag, shaped like a bucket, medium-size or large, with shoulder straps and a drawstring closure. * Carpet bag: The carpet bag, popular in the 1920s-1940s made a resurgence in the 1960s-1970s and was made popular by

Mary Poppins It may refer to: * ''Mary Poppins'' (book series), the original 1934–1988 children's fantasy novels that introduced the character. * Mary Poppins (character), the nanny with magical powers. * ''Mary Poppins'' (film), a 1964 Disney film sta ...

. It was typically an oversized tote bag not constructed of carpet, but rather a thicker fabric that resembled carpet which incorporated crushed velvet and a variety of patchwork fabrics. * Clutch: a handbag without handles, rectangular in shape, often an evening bag but used during the day as well. Some will feature a strap that can be worn over the shoulder. * Doctor's bag: also known as a Gladstone bag, modeled after a Victorian-era doctor's bag for making housecalls. * Drawstring bag: a bag that closes with a drawstring at the top, and often has two straps to be worn over the shoulders like a backpack. * Fanny pack: is typically a smaller bag that can be worn around the waist, over the shoulder, or even across the chest area. Called a ''Bumbag'' in the UK. * Half-moon bag: is shaped like a half-moon. *

Hobo bag The hobo bag is a style of handbag or purse that is typically large and characterized by a crescent shape, a slouchy posture and a long strap designed to wear over the shoulder. Hobo bags are made out of soft, flexible materials and tend to slump ...

: medium-size crescent-shaped bag with a top zipper and often a slouch or dip in the center; a modern, casual silhouette. *

Kiondo A kiondo is a handwoven bag made from indigenous vegetable twine with leather trimmings. It is indigenous to the Taita, Kikuyu and Kamba tribes of Kenya ) , national_anthem = "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu"() , image_map = , ma ...

: a handwoven handbag made from sisal with leather trimmings. It is indigenous to Kenya. * Lighted: a handbag with a lighting system which has been attempted since the 1950s without success until recently when in 2011 the first successful lighted handbag was brought to market. *Lucite handbags: Post World War 2, there was an abundance of plastic in the United States. This gave rise to the Lucite Handbag. Each bag was produced off an injection mold and designed in an array of stunning colors and shapes. Llewellyn and Patricia of Miami were some of the largest producers of these types of bags. * Messenger bag: a bag with typically one long strap worn across the body, inspired by bags worn by urban messengers to deliver business mail, a modern silhouette. *

Minaudière A minaudière is a women's fashion accessory, generally considered a jewellery piece, intended to substitute for an evening bag. A case with compartments, it allows storage for several items in a small space, such as a makeup compact, lipstick, wat ...

: a small rectangular evening bag, usually hard-bodied, sometimes held inside a soft fabric bag that serves as a sleeve. * Muff: a winter bag made of real or faux fur, wool, or velvet that has zippered compartments and a slip opening for hands. * Pocketbook: is a small purse, rectangular in shape. * Pouch: a small bag such as a pocket, teabag, money bag,

, etc. *

Reticule Reticule can refer to: * Reticle, fine lines in the eyepiece of a sighting device * Reticule (handbag) A reticule, also known as a ridicule or indispensable, was a type of small handbag or purse, similar to a modern evening bag, used mainly f ...

: also known as a ''ridicule'' or ''indispensable'', was a type of small drawstring handbag or purse, similar to a modern evening bag, used mainly from 1795 to 1820. * Saddlebag: shaped like a horse saddle, may have equestrian motifs and hardware to emphasize the design. * Satchel: a soft-sided case usually of leather. * Tote bag: is a medium to large bag with two straps and an open top. * Trapezoid bag: is shaped like a trapezoid, usually made of stiff material. * Wristlet: a small handbag with a short carrying strap resembling a bracelet that can be worn around the wrist. Similar to a clutch in design, but with the added wrist strap. According to the type of handle, handbags are often categorized as: * Crossbody bag: one long strap that crosses over the body, with the bag resting by the waist. * Clutch: is typically a small handbag without handles with an optional shoulder strap. * Fanny pack: is typically a smaller bag that can be worn around the waist, over the shoulder, or even across the chest area. * Shoulder bag: any bag with shoulder-length straps. *

Sling bag A messenger bag (also called a courier bag) is a type of sack, usually made of cloth (natural or synthetic). It is worn over one shoulder with a strap that goes across the chest resting the bag on the lower back. While messenger bags are som ...

: one long, wide strap that crosses over the body, with the bag resting on the back. * Tote bag: a medium to large bag with two straps and an open top. Handbags that are designed for specific utilitarian needs include: * Camera bag: for carrying photography equipment. * Cosmetic bag: a small bag for holding cosmetics, often made of synthetic waterproof protective material. * Diaper bag: carry all necessities for baby with numerous pockets including a removable changing pad. * Duffel bag: a large cylindrical bag usually used for travel or sports gear, sometimes called a "weekend bag". * Gym bag: for carrying toiletry items and the clothing and/or shoes a person intends to use for their workout. * Laptop bag: a medium to large bag that contains a padded interior compartment or sleeve for protecting a laptop computer. * Security bag: protects the carrier from travel theft and includes an invisible stainless steel

strap A strap, sometimes also called strop, is an elongated wikt:flap, flap or ribbon, usually of leather or other flexible materials. Thin straps are used as part of clothing or baggage, or bedding such as a sleeping bag. See for example spaghetti s ...

sewn into the fabric and a protectant on the main zipper. * School bag: for carrying school needs ex: books, pencils, etc.

Hardware

A distinction can also be made between soft-body handbags or frame handbags, where a metal frame supports the textile or leather of the bag. Frame bags often use a kissing lock closure, with two interlocking metal beads set on the top of the frame. Kissing locks were popular on handbags during the early- to mid-20th century, and remain popular with vintage collectors and in "retro" designs. These locks are still seen on smaller coin purses.

Coinage as a verb

The verb "to handbag" and its humorous usage was inspired in the 1980s by UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher having “weaponized” the handbag in the opinion of British biographer and historian

David Cannadine Sir David Nicholas Cannadine (born 7 September 1950) is a British author and historian who specialises in modern history, Britain and the history of business and philanthropy. He is currently the Dodge Professor of History at Princeton Unive ...

. As “her most visible symbol of her power to command” the bag became an emphatic prop that she produced at meetings to show she meant business. She would invariably bring out of the bag a crucial document from which she would quote, her speech notes often being cut to size to fit inside. Because Thatcher was Britain's first female prime minister, former

Daily Telegraph Daily or The Daily may refer to: Journalism * Daily newspaper, newspaper issued on five to seven day of most weeks * ''The Daily'' (podcast), a podcast by ''The New York Times'' * ''The Daily'' (News Corporation), a defunct US-based iPad new ...

editor Charles Moore wrote in his authorised biography of 2013, “her handbag became the sceptre of her rule”. The verb's more general meaning of "treating ruthlessly" came to symbolize Thatcher's whole style of government. Victims of her handbaggings, from political leaders to journalists, have testified to what the German chancellor Helmut Kohl perceived as her “ice-cold pursuit of her interests”. US secretary of state James Baker recalled her standby ploy: “When negotiations stall, get out the handbag! The solution is always there.”

Julian Critchley Sir Julian Michael Gordon Critchley (8 December 1930 – 9 September 2000) was a British journalist, author and Conservative Party politician. He was the member of parliament for Rochester and Chatham from 1959 to 1964 and Aldershot from 1970 t ...

, one of her biggest Tory backbench critics, once said, "Margaret Thatcher and her handbag is the same as

Winston Churchill Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (30 November 187424 January 1965) was a British statesman, soldier, and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, from 1940 to 1945 Winston Churchill in the Second World War, dur ...

and his cigar." Thatcher's bag was almost as newsworthy an item as she was herself and on the day she died, one of her handbag-makers saw a sharp rise in sales of her favorite structured design. The original bag Thatcher asserts on a signed card was the one “used every day in my time at Downing Street” is archived at

Churchill College, Cambridge Churchill College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, England. It has a primary focus on science, engineering and technology, but still retains a strong interest in the arts and humanities. In 1958, a trust was establish ...

. Made of dark blue leather “in mock-croc style”, it was a gift from friends on her birthday in 1984.

Handbag collecting

Handbag collecting has become increasingly popular in the 2000s. In 2014, the auction house

Christie's Christie's is a British auction house founded in 1766 by James Christie (auctioneer), James Christie. Its main premises are on King Street, St James's in London, at Rockefeller Center in New York City and at Alexandra House in Hong Kong. It is ...

started a handbag department, which now has several staff, headed by an "international head of handbags". In June 2017, Christie's had its first sale devoted exclusively to handbags. According to '' The Daily Telegraph'', the most sought-after and valuable brand is Hermès, followed by others including

Céline Céline, sometimes spelled Celine, is a French female first name of Latin origin, coming from ''Caelīna'', the feminine form of the Roman cognomen ''Caelīnus'', meaning "heavenly".

Chanel Chanel ( , ) is a French high-end luxury fashion house founded in 1910 by Coco Chanel in Paris. Chanel specializes in women's ready-to-wear, luxury goods, and accessories and licenses its name and branding to Luxottica for eyewear. Chanel is ...

and Louis Vuitton.

World records

In June 2015, a Christie's handbag sale in Hong Kong saw a pink crocodile skin Hermès

Birkin bag The Birkin bag (or simply Birkin) is a kind of tote bag introduced in 1984 by the French luxury goods maker Hermès. Birkin bags are handmade from leather and are named after the English-French actress and singer Jane Birkin. The bag quickly b ...

made only in 2014, sell for a then world record £146,000. In May 2017, Christie's Hong Kong sold a white crocodile skin Hermès Birkin bag with 10.23 carats of diamonds for a world record HK$2.9 million (£293,000).

Museums

The Museum of Bags and Purses is in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; the

Simone Handbag Museum The Simone Handbag Museum in Seoul, South Korea, is a museum dedicated to handbags. 300 bags are on display at the museum, dating from 1550 to the present day. The museum is divided into two halves, Twentieth Century and Contemporary, and Historic ...

is in Seoul, South Korea; and the

ESSE Purse Museum The ESSE Purse Museum is a museum located in Little Rock, Arkansas featuring women's handbags, and the day-to-day items carried in them, illustrating the stories of American women's lives during the 1900s.David Monteith: "Little Rock Purse Museum ...

is in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Notable collectors

Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II, her death in 2022. She was queen ...

owned over 200

Launer London Launer London is a British manufacturer of luxury handbags and other small leather goods founded in 1940 by Sam Launer, who emigrated to London from Czechoslovakia during the Second World War. The company first sold a handbag to a member of the B ...

bags, and kept all of her mother's Launer bags. Other notable collectors include Victoria Beckham, who has over 100 Birkin bags,

Katie Holmes Kate Noelle Holmes (born December 18, 1978) is an American actress. She first achieved fame as Joey Potter on the television series ''Dawson's Creek'' (1998–2003). Holmes made her feature film debut in 1997 with a supporting role in Ang Lee ...

, Rita Ora and Kelly Brook. Cara Delevingne, Miranda Kerr,

Lauren Conrad Lauren Katherine Conrad (born February 1, 1986)) is an American television personality, fashion designer and author. In September 2004, as an 18-year-old, Conrad came to prominence after being cast in the reality television series '' Laguna Beac ...

, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley,

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Beyoncé's boundary-pushing artistry and vocals have made her the most influential female musician of the 21st century, according to ...

Mary-Kate Olsen Mary-Kate Olsen (born June 13, 1986) is an American businesswoman, fashion designer, equestrian, and former actress. She began her acting career nine months after her birth, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner with her twin sister Ashley Olsen ...

Ashley Olsen Ashley Fuller Olsen (born June 13, 1986) is an American businesswoman and former actress. She began her acting career at the age of nine months, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner with her twin sister Mary-Kate Olsen in the television sitcom ...

, Lady Gaga,

Olivia Palermo Olivia Palermo (born February 28, 1986) is an American socialite, fashion influencer, entrepreneur, model and television personality. Palermo gained celebrity status when she sued socialiterank.com for releasing a letter that was proven to be f ...

, and

Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados, Rihanna auditioned for American record producer Evan Rogers who invited her to the ...

are also collectors. Others include

Kim Chiu Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, model, host, singer, dancer, and vlogger. She is currently managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN's home-based talent agency. Recognized as one o ...

, KC Concepcion, Kris Aquino, Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, Bea Alonzo,

Kathryn Bernardo Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo (; born March 26, 1996) is a Filipino actress and singer. Dubbed as “''Asia's Superstar”'' by various media outlets, People Asia hailed Bernardo as the Box Office Queen of her generation for being the onl ...

, Lovi Poe, Megan Young,

Gretchen Barretto Gretchen Castelo Barretto (; born March 6, 1970) is a Filipino actress, socialite, and philanthropist. She was launched in Regal Films' ''14 Going on Steady'' as a singer-actress, with the release of her debut single "Going Steady", which serve ...

, Camille Prats, Sarah Lahbati, and

Jefree Star Jeffree Star (born Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Jr., November 15, 1985) is an American YouTuber, makeup artist, and former singer-songwriter. He is the founder and owner of Jeffree Star Cosmetics. In 2009, Star released a studio album, ''Beauty Kill ...

Gallery of popular silhouettes

File:Photo of My Animal Print Bag.jpg, Bucket bag with drawstring closure File:Vintage clutch (847652012).jpg, Vintage clutch with fold-over closure, made of red snakeskin File:S.Oliver Bag Logomania grau.jpg, Hobo bag with top zipper, shoulder strap, and characteristic slouch in the middle File:Barxes, Gata de Gorgos.JPG, Collection of kiondo style handbags File:Tasche Lkw Plane2.jpg, Messenger bag from old truck tarp with seat belt as strap, made by Freitag, Switzerland (2008) File:Vintage pocketbook.jpg, Vintage pocketbook File:Rachel's New Purse.jpg, Saddle shape, with equestrian hardware detail File:Hobo bag with abstract print.JPG, Hobo bag with unique variations, such as a bold abstract print and interesting hardware File:Eel skin clutch.JPG, Clutch made from eel skin, a strong but expensive alternative to cow, sheep, goat, or pig leather File:Pearl beaded evening bag.jpg, Vintage evening bag, made of ivory satin encrusted with faux pearls and glass bugle beads File:Handtas (ST656 4 01) - Kostuum Accessoire - MoMu Antwerp.jpg, White leather envelope bag File:Handtas (ST650 8 01) - Kostuum Accesoire - MoMu Antwerp.jpg, Brown leather handbag File:Handtas (ST659 7 02) - Kostuum Accessoire - MoMu Antwerp.jpg, Black leather handbag File:Leather taschen Bag.jpg, alt=Leather bag pink color, Lady holding a leathe
bag
in front of eiffel tower

Gallery of traditional types

File:PNG Bilum Bag QM r.jpg, A

bilum ''Noken'' (from Biak: ) is a traditional Indonesian multifunctional knotted or woven bag native to the Western New Guinea region, Indonesia. Its distinctive usage, which involves being hung from the head, is traditionally used to carry various ...

bag, used in Papua New Guinea. Bilums are made of "bush rope", cuscus fur or wool, and expand in size File:Baobab bag.jpg, A shoulder bag made of

baobab ''Adansonia'' is a genus made up of eight species of medium-to-large deciduous trees known as baobabs ( or ). They are placed in the Malvaceae family, subfamily Bombacoideae. They are native to Madagascar, mainland Africa, and Australia.Tropic ...

tree fibres, bought in Zimbabwe in 1995 File:The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis - Bandolier bag - overall.jpg,

Ojibwa The Ojibwe, Ojibwa, Chippewa, or Saulteaux are an Anishinaabe people in what is currently southern Canada, the northern Midwestern United States, and Northern Plains. According to the U.S. census, in the United States Ojibwe people are one of ...

bag with decorative beadwork; this particular bag was probably made for a child File:Early 20th century Yoruba peoples Diviner's bag.jpg, Early 20th century

Yoruba The Yoruba people (, , ) are a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The areas of these countries primarily inhabited by Yoruba are often collectively referred to as Yorubaland. The Yoruba constitute ...

Diviner's bag, from the Oyo region, Nigeria File:Burmese Textiles Fig40 A Kachin bag or wallet.png, A

Burmese Burmese may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia * Burmese people * Burmese language * Burmese alphabet * Burmese cuisine * Burmese culture Animals * Burmese cat * Burmese chicken * Burmese (hor ...

Kachin bag or wallet. A Figure from the booklet ''Burmese Textiles'', published in 1917 by Laura E. Start File:Duodji handväska med tennbroderi.JPG, A Scandinavian Sámi purse (handbag) with shoulder strap File:Betal bag, West Timor, 1921 - Staatlichen Museums für Völkerkunde München - DSC08346.JPG, A

Betel The betel (''Piper betle'') is a vine of the family Piperaceae, which includes pepper and kava. The betel plant is native to Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen, dioecious perennial, with glossy heart-shaped leaves and white catkins. Betel plan ...

bag from West Timor, made around 1921. Called an ''aluk'', such bags are still made File:Hakka-style floral print fabric tote bag.jpg, A modern handbag in a traditional

Hakka Chinese Hakka (, , ) forms a language group of varieties of Chinese, spoken natively by the Hakka people throughout Southern China and Taiwan and throughout the diaspora areas of East Asia, Southeast Asia and in overseas Chinese communities around th ...

-style floral fabric design File:Sac en peau de lézard.jpg, North African bag with

lizard Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 7,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. The group is paraphyletic since it excludes the snakes and Amphisbaenia alt ...

head and paws File:Bags and pouches of Sioux.jpg, 19th century bags and pouches of the

Sioux The Sioux or Oceti Sakowin (; Dakota language, Dakota: Help:IPA, /otʃʰeːtʰi ʃakoːwĩ/) are groups of Native Americans in the United States, Native American tribes and First Nations in Canada, First Nations peoples in North America. The ...

File:Bags - Yunnan Nationalities Museum - DSC04149.JPG, Bags exhibited in the Yunnan Nationalities Museum, Kunming, Yunnan, China File:Purse MET 56.137.508 view1 CP4.jpg, An early 19th-century Mexican Handbag featuring a lamb and crown motif in traditional needlework and a silk dress lining.

Gallery of contemporary types

File:Burberry_handbag.jpg, Ladies' Burberry handbag (2005) File:Eva_Tote_braided_caramel1.jpg,

Tanner Krolle Tanner Krolle is a manufacturer of leather goods based in London. History In 1856, Frederick Franz Krolle founded the company. In the early 1920s business slowed. At around this time Frank Squires, a salesman, introduced Albert Krolle to Fra ...

''Eva'' bag (2006) File:Longchampbag.jpg, Longchamp tote bag File:Ted_Noten_Grandma%27s_Bag_Revisited_2009.jpg, Ted Noten bag (2009) File:Chanel_2.55.jpg,

Chanel 2.55 The Chanel 2.55 is a luxury leather handbag or purse manufactured by the fashion house of Chanel. Origin In the 1920s, Coco Chanel became tired of having to carry her handbags in her arms and decided to design a handbag that freed up her hands. ...

bag File:Tote handbag Etienne Aigner.JPG, A handbag from French designer

Etienne Aigner Étienne Aigner (November 8, 1904 – November 5, 2000) was the founder of Etienne Aigner US and Etienne Aigner AG, two presently separate high fashion houses, based respectively in New York City and Munich, Germany. Both companies produce luxury g ...

File:Bushandtasche_fcm-edit.jpg, Handbag shaped like vintage Volkswagen bus (2007) File:Black Microfiber Handbag.JPG, A classic-looking bag made from black microfiber cloth File:Crocheted bucket handbag.JPG, Crocheted bucket-style handbag by Sak.com File:HandbagsFONART.JPG, Handbags at the 2010 FONART exhibition in Mexico City File:Trashy_Bags_shopping_bag.jpg, Bag made of recycled water sachets by

Trashy Bags Trashy Bags Africa is a commercial venture in Accra, Ghana, which turns plastic waste into reusable shopping bags, fashion accessories, school supplies, and other products. The company employs about forty Ghanaian workers to collect, clean and ...

, Accra, Ghana (2012) File:Bunte_Handtasche.jpg, Colorful handbag made from recycled materials (2012) File:JulieApple_%22Yoga-a-GoGo%22_AirDye_Bag.jpg, JulieApple's ''Yoga-a-GoGo'' bag made by AirDye technology that dyes fabric without the use of water File:Santiniketan leather bag.jpg,

Santiniketan Santiniketan is a neighbourhood of Bolpur town in the Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in West Bengal, India, approximately 152 km north of Kolkata. It was established by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, and later expanded by his son ...

leather bag from India