Odd Purses in the Museum Collection

 

The Benton County Historical Society's collection includes a large number of purses.  Some purses are beautiful beaded while others show fine tooled leather.  Many are utilitarian but of different sizes and shapes as fashions and use change over time.  But three of them struck me as peculiar.  They are made of unexpected materials.  Some I personally find a bit creepy.  What do you think?

Taiwanese butterfly cocoon purse

The first, purchased in Taiwan, is made of butterfly cocoons. This is, perhaps, a case of not wasting any materials.  Once the butterfly has hatched, it doesn't need the cocoon anymore and pieces the size used here would be available to coat the purse.

Alligator skin purse with feet

This second purse is made of alligator skin which has been used since the 1800s for purses, boots, and shoes.  Often these were luxury items.  This one from the 1930-1945 period would be a nice purse were it not for the attached two feet, complete with claws.  To me it looks like the alligator is trapped inside and is trying to crawl out!

Armadillo skin basket

This item from the 1960s is labelled a basket.   It is made of an armadillo skin.  The opening of the basket is the belly of the armadillo, the tail is the handle and its end is inserted in the armadillo's mouth. I don't imagine many people would forget someone carrying around what looks like an upside-down armadillo.

By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon