'Beastie bags' ('Beestachtige tassen')
In the Beastie bags exhibition, animals play the leading role. Throughout the centuries, animals have fascinated and inspired human beings. Skins of the most exotic and wide-ranging animal species have been used to make bags. Animals were portrayed as decorations on bags, purses and wallets. These images often had a symbolic significance.
Types of leather
Since the appearance of leather ladies' bags in the late 19th century, animal skins have become a popular material for making bags. In principle, all animal skins can be processed into leather. The leather of exotic animals is particularly valued because of its unusual structure.
Exotic bags
Up until the 1970s, these types of leather were often used for making bags or suitcases. Since the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, the free trade of many exotic animal species has been outlawed, or made subject to strict regulations. Today, therefore, exotic animals are bred especially for their skins.
Symbolism
In the past, the use of images of animals and flowers on bags and purses was more symbolic than decorative. The purpose of these decorations was to express the feelings of the giver for the recipient. Animals as symbol of loyalty and a long and happy life can be seen on wedding pouches and wallets in the 17th and 18th centuries. Decoration
From the 19th century onwards, images of animals lost their symbolic value, thereby having only a decorative function. For decorating bags, bag clasps, wallets, combs and glasses cases, animal materials such as tortoiseshell and ivory were used. Later, with the advent of the first synthetic materials, celluloid (1868), casein (1897) and cellulose acetate (1926) were used.
Bags for every era In the 1950s and 60s, as a reaction to the sober years of the Second World War, bags portraying poodles in Paris scenes, with simulated shells and images of marine animals, became popular. During the Flower Power era, bags with doves of peace appeared. Many of these fads originated in the US.
Exotic bags
Up until the 1970s, these types of leather were often used for making bags or suitcases. Since the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, the free trade of many exotic animal species has been outlawed, or made subject to strict regulations. Today, therefore, exotic animals are bred especially for their skins.
Symbolism
In the past, the use of images of animals and flowers on bags and purses was more symbolic than decorative. The purpose of these decorations was to express the feelings of the giver for the recipient. Animals as symbol of loyalty and a long and happy life can be seen on wedding pouches and wallets in the 17th and 18th centuries. Decoration
From the 19th century onwards, images of animals lost their symbolic value, thereby having only a decorative function. For decorating bags, bag clasps, wallets, combs and glasses cases, animal materials such as tortoiseshell and ivory were used. Later, with the advent of the first synthetic materials, celluloid (1868), casein (1897) and cellulose acetate (1926) were used.
Bags for every era In the 1950s and 60s, as a reaction to the sober years of the Second World War, bags portraying poodles in Paris scenes, with simulated shells and images of marine animals, became popular. During the Flower Power era, bags with doves of peace appeared. Many of these fads originated in the US.
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