Inked purse, 1810s
Girls’ and women’s friendships were sources of enormous emotional satisfaction and support (and still are). Letters that survive between friends show the strength of the bonds that could be maintained over a lifetime, even over many miles and several decades. As sewing was such an integral part of their lives, it makes sense that women would sew and embroider gifts to express their affection and remind an absent friend of their bond. Inked purses, a craft fad among young women in the early 1800s, were often gifts between friends. This one’s verse calls it an “offering of friendship” and was exchanged by Hannah C. Prince and H.C. (possibly Hannah) Everett in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Cotton and ink, gift of Henry Abbot 84.4.2