Celtic bags
- Available
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
What makes a bag Celtic? Motifs, shapes and materials
Celtic bags combine practical storage space with the distinctive repertoire of forms from a culture that shaped Europe for centuries. Spiral motifs, braided bands, triskeles, Pictish symbols and organic knotting are the most visible hallmarks – they transform a simple everyday object into a unique piece with instant recognition.
Historical records mention both leather pouches and textile pouches made of wool and hemp, which people of the Celtic Iron Age and the early Middle Ages carried with them every day. Metal fittings, leather fragments and textile remnants have been found in graves from the Hallstatt and La Tène cultures, suggesting the use of small carrying containers. It is important to distinguish between decorative motifs and authentic construction: most modern pieces draw on the ornamentation without being direct archaeological reconstructions – they are Celtic-inspired, not necessarily historically accurate. For re-enactment and medieval markets, this is generally perfectly adequate.
The materials used are primarily vegetable-tanned leather, wool and hemp – natural fibres that closely resemble the historical models and are characterised by their durability. Metal fittings made of brass or copper complete the picture.
An overview of the main types: pouches, belt bags, shoulder bags
Bag (e.g. Ehwaz)
The drawstring bag made of wool or hemp is the simplest option – lightweight, foldable and available in many colours. It can be clipped onto a belt or carried over the shoulder. Ideal for festival-goers and first-time costumes.
Belt pouch (e.g. Erin, braided seam)
Leather bags with a sturdy flap design and two belt loops on the back. Celtic embossing or braided seam decorations make them visually distinctive. The first choice for regular re-enactments and markets.
Shoulder bag (e.g. Juna)
The Juna, made of wool, features an inside pocket and a decorative copper spiral head embellishment. Can be carried with a shoulder strap – holds more than a pouch, lighter than a leather bag. Ideal for longer market visits or as an accessory to your costume.
The right bag for your budget and occasion
The Ehwaz bag, made of wool or hemp, is available in numerous colours (brown, black, green, blue, sand) and costs around €13. The Juna wool bag with copper spiral decoration and inner pocket is priced at approx. €19. Both versions are ideal for a first visit to the market or as an addition to a simple costume – low risk, high impact.
The medieval leather pouch with a horn button (approx. €29) and the braided-seam bag (approx. €36) with a toggle fastening offer significantly greater durability. The Erin leather belt pouch with Celtic embossing in brown or black (approx. €37) is the right choice for anyone looking for a sturdy bag for regular use.
The belt bag with Celtic decorative brass fittings (approx. €42) combines high-quality dark brown leather with intricate metal detailing. This piece stands out visually and is the right choice for anyone looking to complete their re-enactment outfit or market attire with an eye-catching accessory.
Celtic bags in a historical context
The Celts, as a cultural region spanning from around 800 BC to the early Middle Ages, had no trouser pockets. Small pouches and bags were therefore essential everyday items – for coins, tools, food or personal belongings. Archaeological finds from Hallstatt (Austria) and La Tène (Switzerland) reveal leather remnants, metal fittings and textile fragments that point to such carrying aids.
The ornamentation of Celtic objects follows its own logic: the spiral is regarded as a symbol of the cycle of life and renewal, the interlaced band as a sign of infinity and connectedness. Pictish symbols from the Scottish-Northern Irish region add geometric and animal motifs to the repertoire. This ornamental language lives on in modern Celtic bags – not as a historically documented reconstruction of every single piece, but as a living continuation of an aesthetic that continues to fascinate to this day.
Anyone putting together a Celtic ensemble or planning a Celtic outfit for the market will find the final, essential piece in a matching bag.
Fastening and carrying: How to wear the bag correctly
Belt bags such as the Erin or the Braided Stitch Bag have two loops on the back that accommodate belts up to approx. 5–6 cm wide. The attachment point noticeably affects comfort: worn on the side of the hip, the bag sits discreetly and hardly gets in the way when walking; worn at the front on the stomach, it allows quick access to the contents. For markets lasting several hours, the side position is recommended.
A well-fitting belt is no minor detail – the loops work best with a flat leather belt of medium width. In the Celtic Belt range, you’ll find suitable models that are visually and functionally matched to the bags. Pouches such as the Ehwaz are more versatile: the drawstring can be slung over the shoulder or attached directly to the belt.
Materials in detail: leather or fabric?
| Material | Suitability | Properties | Typical items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetable-tanned leather | Historical | Durable, retains its shape, develops a patina over time | Erin, braided seam bag, belt bag with decorative hardware |
| Wool | LARP | Lightweight, flexible, warm, washable | Juna shoulder bag |
| Hemp / natural fibre | LARP | Sturdy, breathable, natural look | Ehwaz bag in hemp |
| Brass / Copper (fittings) | Historic | Elegant, may tarnish, develops a patina | Juna spiral decoration, decorative fittings, belt pouch |
Leather bags are particularly suitable for long-term use in re-enactment: they soften over time, mould to the shape and develop a distinctive patina. Wool and hemp bags are lighter, more flexible and closer to early medieval everyday objects – ideal for one-off market visits or as an uncomplicated everyday companion. Crafting details such as braided seams, horn buttons, brass buckles and Celtic embossing show just how much craftsmanship goes into each piece. In the Celtic Shop, you’ll find all types side by side for direct comparison.
Good to know: Care and durability
With regular care, leather bags will retain their shape for many years. Rubbing in leather grease or beeswax protects against drying out and maintains suppleness. Moisture – especially standing water – should be avoided; after a rainy visit to the market, let the bag air-dry, not on a radiator. Suitable leather care products are available in the shop.
Wool and hemp bags can be hand-washed at 30°C if necessary. Drying flat prevents the bag from warping. Do not tumble dry.
Brass metal fittings may tarnish over time – this is not a defect, but a natural ageing process. If you prefer the original shine, use brass polish. If you appreciate the patina, simply leave the fittings alone – the result will look very authentic after a while.
Storage: Store leather bags in a dry place and avoid crushing them if possible. If you wish to preserve the shape in the long term, you can lightly stuff the bag with newspaper.
A Celtic bag is more than just an accessory – it completes an outfit, tells a story of ornamentation with deep roots, and keeps essentials to hand in everyday life or at the market. Take your time to browse the selection and find the piece that suits your style and budget.
Frequently asked questions
A belt bag like the Erin is made of sturdy leather, has a rigid flap and is attached to the belt via two loops – it retains its shape well and protects the contents effectively. A pouch like the Ehwaz is made of wool or hemp, can be folded up and closed with a drawstring. It is lighter and more flexible, but offers less protection for delicate items.
Most modern Celtic bags incorporate the characteristic ornamentation of the Celts – spirals, interlaced bands, triskeles – without being direct archaeological reconstructions. Leather and textile pouches are historically documented as everyday objects, as trouser pockets did not exist. For re-enactments and markets, Celtic-inspired pieces are generally perfectly suitable.
Most Celtic belt bags have loops on the back that accommodate belts up to approx. 5–6 cm wide. A flat, medium-width leather belt provides the most secure fit. In our Celtic belt range, you’ll find models specifically designed to match these bags.
Regularly rubbing in leather grease or beeswax keeps the leather supple and protects it from drying out. After getting wet, allow the bag to air-dry – not on a radiator. Brass fittings may tarnish; this is a natural patina that can be removed with brass polish or simply left as it is to retain its authentic aged appearance.
The Ehwaz pouch, made of wool or hemp, is the cheapest and simplest option at around €13 – it goes well with many outfits and can be worn in various ways. If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Juna wool pouch (approx. €19) is a good choice, featuring an inner pocket and decorative copper spiral detailing.