How did this modern accessory find its way onto ancient artifacts? Did women really use it 12,000 years ago—before cosmetics, perfumes, and combs? Scholars have proposed several intriguing theories.
The oldest such images were discovered in Turkey, among the ruins of the megalithic temple Göbekli Tepe, built around 9000 B.C. Items resembling modern bags were engraved on large T-shaped stone columns arranged in a circle. They were likely used for public events and rituals.
Some experts suggest that this is what baskets may have looked like in ancient times. However, other researchers believe that the concept of a bag as we know it might have originated in ancient civilizations.
While experts are not entirely sure what these images signify, they speculate that prehistoric people associated them with their own views of the cosmos and, specifically, our planet. Civilizations of the past often depicted the Earth as flat and frequently represented it in a square shape. Thus, the square body of a bag could symbolize the Earth, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Other discoveries have sparked new hypotheses
Another example of a bag was found in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs dating back 5,000 years. These depict gods carrying something small and square. Although archaeologists have found evidence that ancient Egyptians used baskets and bags for tools, the significance of the items in the hieroglyphs remains unknown to scholars.
Similar discoveries have also been made in Iraq. On gigantic stone slabs unearthed among the ruins of an Assyrian palace (constructed between 883 and 859 B.C.), researchers observed a winged genie carrying a bag. They speculated that this might not refer to a bag at all, but rather a small bucket. Many experts agree that it was likely used to transport magical potions.
Historian David Miano explained, “These figures, often featuring human bodies and animal heads, are called Apkallu.” They are secondary deities believed to possess protective powers, he noted. They carry items that people refer to as bags, but in reality, these are water buckets, likely used to water sacred date palms.
A similar motif was discovered in Mexico among ruins created by the Toltecs. Archaeologists noted images of a humanoid figure holding a bag and surrounded by a snake. Giant stone statues from the same region, created in 750 A.D., depict figures clutching bags to their chests.
According to Dr. Miano, a bag is a very simple object; “anyone can create one.” There’s no need to learn from another culture; “you can come up with a bag on your own,” the historian remarked.
Interesting facts
- The first modern handbag was created in 1841 in England by Samuel Parkinson. His wife needed an accessory to hold all her travel essentials that wouldn’t fit in her wallet. Since then, the bag has become an essential companion for both women and men.
- Until recently, the most expensive handbag in history was the Mouawad bag, which made it into the Guinness World Records in 2010. The luxurious rarity, The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse, was adorned with 4,517 diamonds (colorless, yellow, and pink), totaling 381.9 carats. The bag was crafted from 13-carat white and yellow gold and was valued at $3.8 million.
- However, in 2020, the world record was claimed by the Parva Mea handbag from the brand Boarini Milanesi. Made from crocodile leather and decorated with ten butterflies made of white gold, embellished with diamonds, sapphires, and tourmalines totaling 130 carats, this accessory is valued at $7 million.