The Original Man Purse

Back in the day, great lords were buried in ships and sent off to sea. Filled with luxuries, these burials have provided insight into the art of the "Warrior Kings." The nomadic people of ancient Northern Europe did not create huge statues or colossal monuments. Their art was limited to what they could carry with them. In 1939, a burial ship filled with treasures was uncovered in a burial mound at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, England. Though the ship was not put out to sea, it exemplifies the tradition of the time. Filled with gold and silver goods, the burial was clearly that of a king. One of the many treasures from the ship is a decorated purse cover. The design and cloisonné technique are characteristic of the time period. Cloisonné jewelry and decoration are produced by small metal strips being soldered, and by filling the compartments with semiprecious stones, colored glass, or other materials that resemble brilliant gems. The Sutton Hoo purse cover there are a variety of designs. The bottom row has 4 groups in a symmetrically organized row. The outer image is that of a man flanked by two beasts - a powerful image of the time. The inner image is an eagle overarching a duck. They are cleverly composed together to create a unified figure. The figures are stylized, rather than realistic. Above the row of 4 are three geometric designs. The outer two are linear lines creating a unique pattern with contrasting colors. The inner design is something that is echoed throughout the time period - interlacing metalwork with animal figures. This design is a precursor of similar designs that would be seen in early medieval art of western Europe.

The overall composition looks like a purse cover that I desire. Gold and jewels on a purse? Obviously, I'm envious. The gold strips that outline the figures contrast beautifully with the garnet, colored glass, and the white background. Although the original color of the background is a topic of much discussion, it is ultimately unknown.

Without a doubt, this purse cover was surely the most stylish man purse of its time.