Gerede Knitted Purses

Abstract

In the past, small bags used in daily life to put some goods in are called “kese” (purse). Women mostly kept their belongings such as jewellry, comb and mirror while men put their belongings like watch, tobacco, seal, money, golden coins and so on in it. It is known that purses have a prominent place in the trousseau packs in the traditions of earlier wedding ceremonies and you could find decorated purses in the gifts sent to the groom. Purses produced by knitting have a peculiar place among others. Produced by crochet hook, needles and shuttles, purses have a great variety in terms of their techniques, colours, motives and compositions. Purse that became less popular in the current time leaving its place to wallets and boxes are a significant part of handicraft arts and are exhibited in private collections and museums. One of the regions where old purses are still preserved and protected is the town of Gerede in the city of Bolu. In the town of Gerede which has a very early establishment, it is likely to encounter the purses that were produced by knitting and reflect the delicate taste and power of art. With the introduction and documentation of these purses, it is believed that we would make a contribution to the culture and art of the town. In the current study that was carried out in this sense, the usage purpose of the knitted purses in Gerede which are among the traditional values, tools and instruments, motive and design features were investigated.