To get a grip on the history of the handbag it helps to remember why it was created: to carry around one’s valuables and other necessary items. In ancient Egypt for instance bags made from leather linen or papyrus were suspended from sticks and used to carry tools weapons and food. In very ancient times people didn’t have to worry about how to carry around their money because money as we know it hadn’t been invented yet. Cowrie shells were used as a means of payment in many parts of the world — China India Africa Australia and North America are prime examples — and the shells were often strung on a piece of string for easy transport. In some areas a standard length of string held a standard number of shells so these early wallets did double-duty as a money counter. Coins made from silver or gold first began to be used in the seventh century BCE. They quickly became the currency of choice in Europe. They also created a need for a new fashion accessory: the bursa or coin purse.