The ancient “handbag” motif is a fascinating symbol and artefact that appears in various ancient cultures.
In some Egyptian tomb paintings, particularly in the Old Kingdom, objects resembling handbags appear in the hands of deities or priests. These are often thought to be ritual or symbolic containers, possibly representing offerings, incense, or sacred knowledge. The design is usually a rounded or rectangular shape with a curved handle, similar to modern handbags.
At Göbekli Tepe, an ancient megalithic site in modern-day Turkey (dating back to around 9600–8000 BCE), stone pillars display carved reliefs of what appear to be “handbag” symbols. These objects, typically depicted in groups of three, feature a semi-circular handle-like top and a rectangular or trapezoidal base. Some scholars suggest these could represent baskets, pouches, or cosmic symbols related to the heavens, earth, or a sacred vessel carrying divine knowledge.
I found this artefact in Karak Castle (see the photo). Although not the “hardback” of Egypt or Turkey, with some imagination, we can let it fly.
