(Please merge the topic if there is an existing one, did not find it!)
So, hi there, colleagues!
I thought we should start a topic on Late Roman (let's say from Diocletian onward) bags and satchels. We could collect representations and finds here. Both are quite scarce, so we have to be on our toes.
First, I would like to add a fresco from the 6-7th centuries, depicting some kind of small leather satchel, kind of a smaller version of the Comacchio bag. These small purses are often seen on late frescoes depicting saints, so the context is not that clear for the military or civilian use.
Then, martyrs from the 6th c. with a nice little purse.
[attachment=11386]ps277780_l.jpg[/attachment]
Also, 4th century waist satchel applique remains from Pannonia (Nyergesújfalu). The literature here agrees that wearing these small bags on the waistbelt was a barbarian custom.
[attachment=11387]tska1.JPG[/attachment]
[attachment=11388]tska2.JPG[/attachment]
Semi-circular remains of structural elements of a small bag, Pannonia, Esztergom.
At Deurne as founded a late roman bag containing the famous golden helmet.
I have made a repro about that.
[attachment=11390]1796642_10201417191297420_2144297291_n.jpg[/attachment]
Márk, Where do the images of the martyrs come from?
There is a bag from Ireland that is "Early Christian" and originally it seems was intended to hold a book....
Heres my version (I think the article I used was in "Leather Craftmanship" Waterer) though the original flap is missing but I guess it could be triangular or any other shape..
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
the decorative patterns remind me of quite late stuff like the Book of Kells which were inspired by "germanic" styles, so after the anglo-saxon invasions in Britain. what is the dating of that bag?
Als Mensch zu dumm, als Schwein zu kleine Ohren...
Supposed to be circa 8th cent however the knot decoration is similar to that on "Early Christian" Irish shoes dating from around the 6th or 7th cent..... all you can really say is its after St Patrick arrived....
On the design, basically the main panel on the front is formed from the "Solomons Knot" a very common symbol or so it seems.....
[attachment=11403]SolomonsKnot.jpg[/attachment]
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
Márk, Well I would say the first two images you posted come into the category of specialised purpose, the first a bag for tablets and the second two for books or relics in neither case do they seem to be attached to belts but rather looped over the arm.... which is the reason I posted the budget....
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
Quote:At Deurne as founded a late roman bag containing the famous golden helmet.
I have made a repro about that.
[attachment=11390]1796642_10201417191297420_2144297291_n.jpg[/attachment]
The reinforcments showed in your first bag, are copper alloy or leather?
There are remains of several bags from Valkenburg of a very similar sort and approx the size or a little larger, so likely are intended for the same purpose that of holding a helmet......
Source Romeins Lederwerk uit Valkenburg pg122
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
Quote:At Deurne as founded a late roman bag containing the famous golden helmet.
I have made a repro about that.
[attachment=11390]1796642_10201417191297420_2144297291_n.jpg[/attachment]
The reinforcments showed in your first bag, are copper alloy or leather?
There are remains of several bags from Valkenburg of a very similar sort and approx the size or a little larger, so likely are intended for the same purpose that of holding a helmet......
Source Romeins Lederwerk uit Valkenburg pg122
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
