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The actual period in time for the Middle Ages started about 500 A.D. and ended in 1500 with the Renaissance. One needs to understand, however, that one age didn't just stop
and another begin - There was a gradual groundswell in science, art, and thought.
Any information concerning Medieval clothing and accessories needs to begin with the basics - the actual fabric in use by both the rich and poor beginning in the 1500's.
The most popular used by the common folk was wool and, unfortunately, the poor would often have to wear this next to the skin. This wool was sometimes mixed with goat hair to make
a fabric called chamlet.
Other fabrics used were linen, fur, and material of silver and gold. The Crusaders were exposed to other fine fabrics in the East and returned with silk, gauzes, brocades, velvets and satin.
Linens was mostly used for undergarments and silk was only for the "unmentionables" of wealthy women and to bury saints. Silk and other fine underwear were mentioned in wills and were passed down
to others in the family or friends after death.
Commoners made their own clothing with dyes from onions, lichen, and alder plants. These fabrics were often dull in color.
A girdle was worn at the waist and suspended from this were keys and usually a bag that carried nail scissors and other important personal items that the lady of the house needed.
Over the women's undergarment was a shift that varied in color often according to the ladies position in life. Bright and vivid colors were used for the higher class and this was reflected also in the accessories worn.
Much information concerning the clothing and accessories during the Middle Ages came from the Maciejowsky Bible from 1250 A.D. This was a medieval picture book that contained 283 paintings from the Creation of the Story of David.
Many of the pictures have samples of various Alms purses that were worn specifically to carry a few coins for the poor. The pious would also carry their paternoster (prayer beads that later became known as a rosary).
Illumination from the 14th century showing Dietmar von Aist disguised as a peddlar showing a lady bags and belts for sale. It was considered a token of affection to present one's lady love with a bag.
There is a wonderful museum called the Tassen Museum Hendrikje that shows the history of handbags from the 1600's to 1950 and beyond from a Western Civilization perspective.
Included in this collection are over 2,000 pieces and they even have work by contemporary designers.
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