Full mask sporran: Yea or Nay?

**DrumMayer** · 29th July 10, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Then you only wear great kilts, right? I mean, the philabeg or modern kilt is less than 300 years old, so it must just be a fad...

Correct, sir! I have no truck with these so-called "modern" conveniences, such as flush toilets, air conditioning, vaccinations and electricity. None have a proven track record as yet...And of course, you will never catch me using one of those new-fangled computer things!

In all seriousness though, the definition and balance of "traditional" was always an issue growing up, and I'm sure remains an issue even though I've lived in the US a very long time now. So far as modern Highland dress goes, let's be honest and note that pretty much all the conventions we insist on today as "traditional" are at best a couple of hundred years old, rooted often in Victorian-era notions. And shall we take a hard look at clan tartans as well? New traditions rise all the time.

**Tobus** · 29th July 10, 10:25 AM

So far as modern Highland dress goes, let's be honest and note that pretty much all the conventions we insist on today as "traditional" are at best a couple of hundred years old, rooted often in Victorian-era notions.

True, that. But that doesn't mean it's not traditional. The very definition of the word "traditional" suggests that it's a custom handed down from one generation to the next. And as many generations that have come and gone since Victorian times, I think it's safe to say that our "traditional" kilts are indeed part of a tradition. Not merely a fad. (The term "fad" is subject to individual interpretation, of course, but I think in this context it would be fair to say that any fashion that doesn't survive even one generation is a fad, and anything surviving two or more generations has become a tradition.)

**auld argonian** · 29th July 10, 10:29 AM

While I have no problem with a fur panel, I wouldn't do a full-mask sporran. Still think that the head looks a lot better on the animal than it would on my crotch. I'm certainly not in the traditional camp, though, just don't want to look like I'm trying to live in the 17th Century...the here and now is tough enough.

Best

AA

**Kornkob** · 29th July 10, 10:32 AM

A shoddily made full mask looks worse than an equally shoddily made fur sporran by a long shot. Someone who has no experience with sporrans can immediately spot the badly made full mask. However, the same person would have to much more closely inspect the cheap fur sporran to notice the poor quality.

Originally Posted by DrumMayer

So far as modern Highland dress goes, let's be honest and note that pretty much all the conventions we insist on today as "traditional" are at best a couple of hundred years old, rooted often in Victorian-era notions. And shall we take a hard look at clan tartans as well? New traditions rise all the time.

Often the same applies to a number of traditions of dress-- and behavior for that matter--- and language now that I think on it.

**wildrover** · 29th July 10, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Kornkob

A shoddily made full mask looks worse than an equally shoddily made fur sporran by a long shot. Someone who has no experience with sporrans can immediately spot the badly made full mask. However, the same person would have to much more closely inspect the cheap fur sporran to notice the poor quality.

I agree completely...a full mask is either a beautiful piece of art, or...well, I think it looks bad. Maybe it's because when I think "kilt" I have a mental picture of a fairly refined garment, and an empty sack of fur doesn't really go with it.

I can imagine it working out with reenactor garb or something, though.

Often the same applies to a number of traditions of dress-- and behavior for that matter--- and language now that I think on it.

"Word."

Kate Macpherson's roe deer full mask is pretty interesting. She makes some really nice pieces...one of very, very few sporran makers that I think does a good job with the partial tax, eyes-open look. If only I had the $. Or...ok, I don't have a "pounds" symbol on my keyboard

...

Know what I want?

A full mask goat sporran.

With horns.

-Sean

**muirkirkca** · 29th July 10, 01:50 PM

Don't like them at all. Remind me of the fox and mink head shawls women wore in an earler era. These items have been put to rest and the full Mask Sporran should have the same fate.

**azwildcat96** · 29th July 10, 02:00 PM

I had to vote for the last option, as I do not own a full mask sporran, but would own one in a heartbeat. I think there is a time and place for one, and other situations where it would be better to leave the "face" at home.

As a hunter, I hope someday to have one made with an animal that I have taken myself in the field. Maybe a nice bobcat, or a fox, or an elephant trunk...

**Freelancer** · 29th July 10, 06:14 PM

I wouldn't say if was bloody awful, but definitely not to my taste.

**Chainsaw02** · 29th July 10, 07:27 PM

Hello all,

I have really enjoyed this thread, espcially the thoughts about how the female side sees the full-masked sporran.

My wife grew up with a father that hunted and fished therefor has no objection to this type of sporran. If fact, I made her a handbag with a grey
fox pelt and full mask with eyes and she uses it for our ren faire and highland games adventures.

I made a red fox (see my avitar), beaver and skunk full masked sporrans with eyes and have had positive comments about all. To each his or her own on this sublect.

Larry Dirr