# data[].attributes.body
According to synonym.com:

Purse (n.)

a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women).

Yes, they do have a purpose, we use them for money or makeup , handkerchiefs and credit cards, but did you know that the purses like us in history have evolved over time. Changed by every period by every generation. It is also as noted above assuming that women originally were synonymous for carrying purses, but did you know the original purse owner was man. From necessity to fashion from tortoise shell to plastic. Our fashion much like our needs change over time. Here is a collection of bags over the years a reflection of our history.

# data[].attributes.body
The first known purse was carried by Otzi the Iceman who lived around 3300 B.C. Hhe made most of his belongings with a menagerie of animals. His bag had a chamois hide (a form of goat leather) and a strap. He used the items available to him at the time and that's exactly what his ancestors did in the future.
(image: espressoscience.com)

# data[].attributes.body
Egyptian Hieroglyphics depict men carrying pouches around their waist.  Similar to the bags we call "fanny packs".  According to reshafim.org Egyptian bags and sacks were woven or knitted from goat hair, giraffe-tail hair or the like.
(images: ancientorigins.com)

# data[].attributes.body
This purse has straps and domed poles a portable tent and square bottom usually made of cloth or some kind of animal skins laid across poles for stability. This is an image of 3 handbags carved into a pillar.
(images:ancientorigins.com)

# data[].attributes.body
Purses were common for men and women now for the first time. They were made with round pieces of leather and a draw string. They were small and worn around the waist. They held small items such as coins. Women wore them around their waist much like the men but underneath their garments. Hidden more for security of their belongings.
(images: pinterest.co.uk)

# data[].attributes.body
These purses were the next step in fashion for woman.  They were more detailed in color and beads were sewn in to different patterns of designs.  Cloth was being used more so than leather. The use of the straps were still present but they were bigger in size and longer as well. They were more individualized just like the person wearing it.
(images: Pinterest.com)

# data[].attributes.body
During the mid 18th century travel increased and the demand for new purse styles began.  The need to contain items became more prevalent than before.  Bags were becoming too small and fragile to carry all a person needed. To fill the need the bag evolved. It became bigger and more durable.  Women's bags became more larger and durable and men down sized to what is now known as wallets. William Comyns owner of silver at Koopman Rare Art London.

William Comyns first appears to have made a significant impact in the early 1880s by supplying increasingly large numbers of decorative wares in silver, many of which were die-stamped. The purse below is dyed blue with an intricately etched silver pattern around the handle with a clasp at the top.
(images: koopman.art)

# data[].attributes.body
Fashion changed the look of the purse. It was more sleek and slender designs much like the attire of the fashion. Reticule became to new height of women's fashion. It was light convenient to carry and no longer hidden. They were more decorative to reflect personal style. It was a woman's small handbag, originally netted and typically having a drawstring and decorated with embroidery or beading and intricate floral patterns.
(images: pinterest.com)

# data[].attributes.headline
Men began to downsize their purses to wallets

# data[].attributes.subject
Men began to downsize their purses to wallets

# data[].attributes.body
Men lost the straps and reduced the size of their purses to accommodate their new style. This wallet below is an 18th century wallet it still boasted straps but it was more compact and easy to pocket. It is made of leather.
(image from Pinterest.com)

# data[].attributes.body
War changes everything in life and the purse is no exception. The style of the purse was altered due to the lack of materials available. This is when the metal handles and frames with clasps started to alter to accommodate the need for fashion and the lack of materials.  Metal was replaced by plastic and wood. After the war the bags went back to its original style.
The bag below is sewn in a striped pattern of blue and white with wooden handles there is no visible clasp.
(Image from picclick.ca)

# data[].attributes.body
This an image of a bag made during the WWII era.  It is made with leather and has a picture on the front it has a wooden handle and no visible clasp.
(image from bidorbuy.co.za)