The World's Oldest Handbag Has Finally Been Excavated!
And no, it wasn't hiding in some Hollywood closet.
Excavators in Germany have unearthed what is believed to be the oldest handbag ever!
The purse was found in a grave dated to between 2,500 and 2,200 B.C. and is covered with more than a hundred dog teeth.
Describing the canine couture, archaeologist Susanne Friederich said:
"Over the years the leather or fabric disappeared, and all that's left is the teeth. They're all pointing in the same direction, so it looks a lot like a modern handbag flap."
Apparently, back in the day, dog teeth were a sign of class and fashion. In fact, dog teeth were often used in hair ornaments and necklaces for both men and women.
Harald Staueble, senior archaeologist at Germany's Saxon State Archaeology Office explained:
"It seems to have been very fashionable at the time. Not everyone was buried with such nice things—just the really special graves"
Whether it was a fashion statement or not, it brings a whole new meaning to houndstooth, doesn't it?
[Image via National Geographic.]
Tags: dog teeth, dog teeth handbag, germany, houndstooth, susanne friederich, worlds oldest handbag
