PURSE
Datec. 1920s
DimensionsL:21.60 x W:15.50 x De:1.50 cm
Object numberHF.70.335.1
DescriptionBlack beaded drawstring purse, known as a reticule. The bag is oblong with a double, twisted draw-string cord at the top, woven between sets of three beaded columns. Five rows of horizontal beading on each side which alternate between black and dark grey in colour. A short fringe of beaded loops is present around the circumference. The interior of the bag is black cotton as is the top 2cm of the bag. Narrative
The first women's bag to be commonly used was a small drawstring bag, known as a "réticule". They first made an appearance in the 18th century and the style could still be seen up to the 1930s.
The bag's name "réticule" comes from the French word for small net. Many of the first réticules were made using netting techniques. As the fashions in the 18th century moved to more lightweight materials, underskirt pockets didn't fit with the new clothing trends for women. So, these necessary drawstring bags took on the shape of pockets which caused a bit of stir as pockets were undergarments and now women dared to wear them on the outside of their clothes and in public! Women's daily essential objects were expected to be simple and fit into the réticule but early into the 19th century, it became clear quickly that the equivalent of only one pocket was not enough space for women's daily essential items.
Nevertheless, the bags became known as "indispensables" and women's bags have evolved into many shapes and sizes. This réticule is reminiscent of evening bags from the 1920s when women didn't need much for a night out of the town!
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