Historic

Is it a Miser’s Purse or a String Purse? Artifact Analysis of a Vintage Handbag

Authors: Sandra Starkey (University of Missouri) , Jean L Parsons (University of Missouri)

Abstract

University historic dress and textile collections frequently hold objects with little or no provenance, and curators and collection managers have limited time to do the extensive research required to firmly date an object, let alone place it into context. This was the case with a purse in the historic costume collection at a large Mid-Western University. The purse is an oblong bag measuring 14” in length when lying flat.

Keywords: miser’s purse, material culture, artifact analysis

How to Cite: Starkey, S. & Parsons, J. L. (2014) “Is it a Miser’s Purse or a String Purse? Artifact Analysis of a Vintage Handbag”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings. 71(1).