A Rustic, Well-Worn Hemp or Ramie Bag: Patched and Mended

early twentieth century
18 1/2" x 11", 47 cm x 28 cm

This is a rustic, well-worn bag that is woven from thick, undyed or natural colored bast fiber yarns, possibly hemp or ramie. 

The bag is pouch-like and from its condition which is stained, patched and mended it was clearly used heavily in its lifetime: its original purpose is not known.

The surface of the woven cloth shows a good deal of abrasion and nicking with darkened areas which are the result of wear.

There is a tear to one side of the bag which is shown on a detail photo here. The mending stitches are just like what you would want to see on an old bag like this--and it still has a good deal of life left in it and it can certainly be used for a good, long time to come.