Editing Handbag (section)

=== Antiquity ===
During the ancient period bags were utilised to carry various items including flint, tools, supplies, weapons and currency. Early examples of these bags have been uncovered in [[Ancient Egyptian funerary practices|Egyptian burial sites]] ({{circa}} 2686–2160 BCE) and were made of leather with two straps or handles for carrying or suspending from a stick.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-27 |title=The History Of Bags |url=https://lux-collector.com/blogs/blog/the-history-of-bags |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=LuxCollector Vintage |language=en}}</ref> The [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] made use of leather, papyrus and linen purses known as ''byrsa'' to store coins, which is the etymological origin of the English word "purse". The emergence of money further inspired the creation of drawstring purses, most commonly hung from a belt or kept in clothing folds.

A handbag was discovered with the remains of [[Ötzi]], who lived between 3350 and 3105 BC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=From when did humans start carrying handbags? |url=https://htschool.hindustantimes.com/editorsdesk/knowledge-vine/from-when-did-humans-start-carrying-handbags |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=HT School |language=en-US}}</ref> Whilst one of the earliest discoveries of an ornate leather purse came from [[Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain|Anglo-Saxon Britain]], dated circa 625 CE, revealed from the burial site of King Roewald in the mounds of [[Sutton Hoo]] in [[Suffolk]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Practical Uses and Fashions of Handbags and Purses |url=https://dsfantiquejewelry.com/blogs/time-blog/practical-uses-and-fashions-of-handbags-and-purses |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=DSF Antique Jewelry |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Anna |title=Fashions of Handbags and Purses |url=https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/style/fashions-handbags-purses |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=LoveToKnow |language=en}}</ref> Although the leather had deteriorated, its gold ornaments were still intact. Inside the purse was forty gold coins and it was held in place by a gold belt buckle and golden hinged straps.<ref name=":1" /> These features symbolised a display of opulence, making the purse part of a lavish suite of possessions.