Full mask sporrans revisited...

**Nathan** · 28th May 14, 02:55 PM

I've been enjoying this book, Kinloch Anderson - A Scottish Tradition by Deirdre Kinloch Anderson. It truly is a great book for fans of Highland attire. It has photos, catalogue excerpts, artifacts and is well written. Many of the images and topics covered in the book are xmarks favourites. The book even identifies the tartans of the Royal family and why they choose them.

IMG_20140528_173342.jpg

But that's just background. The one part of this marvelous book that surprised me was this little gem on the corner of a page about sporrans.

IMG_20140528_173622.jpg

It comes right out and says "This is no longer acceptable as Highland Dress accessory".

As you may know, I have a full mask sporran and wear it.

IMG_20140524_103634.jpg

The full mask sporran is viewed as a traditional and versatile accessory by some on this forum. The Kinloch Anderson note has given me pause to reflect on when a tradition should be put to rest. Is this one of those times? What do YOU think? Is it a classic traditional item of Highland dress that is as handsome today as ever it was or is it a gory symbol of a bygone era that is not in keeping with modern mores and sensitivities?

I know it has been discussed, but given that a respected Highland outfitter has declared it passé, I think the topic warrants revisiting. Your thoughts?

**HippieLee** · 28th May 14, 03:43 PM

I certainly hope it doesn't go out of favor before I've even gotten a chance to have one.

That said, out or in, I want one and will have one and will wear it when I get one.

Now I may not run out and strangle a baby skunk in front of a class school children to get the pelt I need but should an elderly skunk grow weary and lay down to finally rest his bones I'll thank dear Gaea for her blessing and set about returning the skunk to usefulness as a hallowed member of my kit.

**Nathan** · 28th May 14, 04:27 PM

Preliminary poll results are pretty one sided and are firmly in favour of the furry-faced flap. At least you know you'll have your supporters when you get yours, Lee!

I'll be interested to see if there is anyone that will support Kinloch Anderson's assertion.

**BLHS209** · 28th May 14, 04:29 PM

Yes, I have a full mask skunk. Don't wear it to every event but I do wear it a number of times a year.

Chris Shepherd

**artificer** · 28th May 14, 05:34 PM

They're not for me, personally, but as long as they are tastefully done (ie NOT a full black bear head or 'snarling' bobcat complete with teeth and tongue) I think they can be quite lovely.

Scale is a large part of that, the shaping is as well. Taxidermy forms meant to accurately replicate an actual skull are too 'round' for my tastes. I likewise don't care for an unmounted 'flat' head that is basically just a flap of skin & hair.
The traditional Scottish preparation with low relief on the mask is what I prefer. IMO there is very little middle ground on full masks, they are either lovely or ghastly- 50% of that is how it is prepared, 50% is the appropriate animal.

ith:

**Nathan** · 28th May 14, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by artificer

IMO there is very little middle ground on full masks, they are either lovely or ghastly- 50% of that is how it is prepared, 50% is the appropriate animal.

ith:

Damn! And I was banking on middle ground with my DIY! ;)

full mask fox.jpg

**Manxstralian** · 28th May 14, 06:08 PM

Not my thing at all, but I have seen some wonderful examples (Kyle's for instance). Most of the ones I have seen are too "flat" (perhaps because they were heirloom pieces) and I think I'd need a personal attachment to the animal to be able to feel comfortable wearing one (as I know some clans have animal totems which are used in this way). I do think they're anachronistic, but I wouldn't say they're "unacceptable", because by the same token wouldn't that make all fur sporrans unacceptable?

Cheers,

Cameron

**Peter Crowe** · 28th May 14, 06:12 PM

Full mask sporrans are not personally to my taste although they are undoubtedly traditional. I didn't vote in this poll because neither option is applicable to my views on the subject. I have no desire to possess a full mask sporran but equally I have no axe to grind against those who like them or their freedom to express their personal flair with regard to THCD.

**artificer** · 28th May 14, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by Nathan

Damn! And I was banking on middle ground with my DIY! ;)

full mask fox.jpg

Nathan, yours is actually an exemplary model (IMO) of a nicely crafted mask. The head is mounted, but not 'realistically 3-D, complete with tongue', the head itself is also relatively small and well balanced against the overall size of the sporran. LOTS of North American animals simply have too big of heads to make elegantly proportioned masks.

ith:

**OC Richard** · 28th May 14, 07:08 PM

I used to wear one, back in the 1980s

They might well be passé in Scotland but here in the USA they're alive and well (hmmm perhaps a poor choice of words...) and more popular than ever, from what I see at the various Games.

A vendor at the West Virginia Games in Bridgeport... choose yer critter!