Medieval Alms Purse

Medieval alms purse with purse bar replica

This beautifully shaped leather belt bag is modelled on historical alms purses that were widely used during the High Gothic period in the late Middle Ages.

Not only is the trapezoidal shape typical of alms purse very appealing, but the high-quality replica of a medieval purse bar and the decorative closure disc in the shape of a rose also make this beautiful bag a special eye-catcher.

The alms purse is made of a velvety-soft cowhide leather and a firmer upper leather 2 mm thick.
The purse bar and closure are made of high-quality bronze.

The alms purse measures: approx. 32 x 21 cm (inc. belt loop).
The soft pouch part measures 19 x 21 cm.

In the Middle Ages, an alms purse was an often quite elaborately decorated pouch which, from the High Gothic period onwards in Central Europe, had an important role in social life as a clothing accessory worn visibly on the belt.

Alms bags are documented in Europe as early as the 12th century, but the first written sources only date from the early 13th century. Alms purses appeared in various forms, often in the shape of small rectangular or trapezoidal pouches with closures in the form of so-called nesting bands or a drawstring.

Often the upper part of the alms purse also had a movable brass or bronze bar, from which the bag could be hung freely on the belt. The term alms bag reflects the Christian tradition of generosity for the needy, which was sometimes also reflected in precious embroidery.

The alms purse were frequently embroidered all over with silk and thus also served as a means of representation. As the frequently depicted love scenes suggest, the alms bag also served as a gift of love, among other things.

In addition to its name-giving function, the alms purse was certainly also used in the Middle Ages as a place to store the things of daily life and coins, which is why the bag dangling freely from the belt was often a victim of the proverbial bag cutter, which is why they were increasingly worn concealed in the course of the 14th century.