Buckskin Purses - Beautiful & Durable Leather Handbags

The Beauty and Practicality of Buckskin Purses

Buckskin leather has been valued for centuries for its soft, pliable qualities and natural beauty. Buckskin comes from deer, elk or moose hides, and is revered for its durability and warm tan and white coloring.

Buckskin maintains its popularity today for use in clothing, accessories and crafts. Buckskin purses and handbags are growing in demand because of buckskin's aesthetic qualities and practical functionality.

The Origins and History of Buckskin Purses

Indigenous peoples of North America stylishly used buckskin for clothing and accessories for centuries. Both men and women wore ornate, fringed buckskin bags with intricate beadwork and quill embroidery.

European explorers and pioneers adopted buckskin pants, gloves, satchels and rifle scabbards for their durability. Buckskin accessories became icons of the American frontier.

Contemporary artisans create beautiful, nature-inspired buckskin purses, often decorated with geometric patterns, feathers, fur trim, floral tooling and Pyrography wood-burned designs representing wildlife or Native American themes.

Why Buckskin Makes an Ideal Purse Material

Buckskin offers many admirable qualities that make it well-suited for handbags and purses:

• Extremely durable hide that lasts for years
• Naturally stain- and water-resistant
• Softens beautifully over time
• Breathable and comfortable next to skin
• Lightweight and pliable
• Rich natural tan, white and brown colors
• World-renowned for its beauty

Buckskin requires very little maintenance compared to other leathers. It stands up well to regular use and ages gracefully over decades when properly cared for.

Buckskin Purses for Every Style and Need

Modern buckskin satchels and handbags come in diverse styles for every taste. Here are some of the most popular genres of buckskin purse:

Fringed Purses

Long leather fringe trims add free-flowing movement and striking visual appeal. Shoulder bags, hobo bags and totes look beautiful with extra fringe details.

Crossbody Bags

Convenient buckskin crossbody purses with long shoulder straps keep your hands free. They typically have decorative touches like colored leather stitching, floral tooling, tassel ties or hand-forged metal clasps.

Beaded Buckskin Purses

Vibrant glass beads, polished stones, trade silver and brass beads bring shine and color to basic buckskin bags in Native American styles.

Tooled Leather Purses

Floral patterns, vines, landscapes and geometric designs can be stamped or carved into vegetable tanned buckskin with textural intrigue. Contrast stitching makes designs pop.

Bone and Antler Buckskin Bags

Naturally shed elk and deer antlers as well as cow and bison bones add rustic accents and trim. Rawhide lacing, stone beads and feather accessories complement them.

Whether you love Western motifs, tribal geometry, Pacific Northwest art, or Southwestern themes, beautifully handcrafted buckskin purses express natural high fashion. Their versatility allows them to complete casual daytime outfits as well as embellish dressy evening wear.

Caring for Your Heirloom Buckskin Purse

Buckskin is naturally durable, but taking measures to clean and condition your bespoke bag helps it last for many years of enjoyment. Here are some buckskin purse care tips:

Storing Buckskin Bags

Allow the leather to breathe by not cramming it tightly into a drawer or covering it with plastic. Let it retain its natural oils by resting it on a shelf or hanging it up when not in use.

Cleaning Buckskin Purses

Wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth to remove surface dirt. Allow to fully dry away from direct heat or sunlight before using saddle soap, leather wax or oil sparingly to hydrate the hide if it feels dry or stiff.

Waterproofing Buckskin Handbags

Apply a thin coat of premium beeswax leather waterproofing treatment occasionally. Avoid silicone sprays that may degrade stitching over time.

Refinishing & Repairing Buckskin

If fringe knots become loose or decoration falls off, take it to a leather artisan for repairs to restore your purse's original beauty and value.

With periodic maintenance and careful handling, your heirloom buckskin satchel or handbag will become your go-to accessory for life.

Finding Your Dream Buckskin Purse

Authentic buckskin purses handmade by Indigenous artisans make wonderful forever keepsakes. Browse trading posts, pow wows, rodeos and craft fairs to find buckskin bags, or order direct from Native American owned brands online.

Let a custom buckskin purse reflect your personality. With proper care, your stylish buckskin satchel, shoulder bag or fringe tote will only gain charm through the years.

FAQs

How long will a buckskin purse last?

With proper care and maintenance, a quality handcrafted buckskin purse can last for decades, often over 50 years. The natural oils in buckskin preserve it, and it develops a beautiful patina over time.

What is the best way to clean a buckskin purse?

Use a slightly damp soft cloth to gently wipe dirt from buckskin. Allow to fully dry, then apply a thin layer of beeswax leather cream or balm to condition it. Avoid using soap or chemicals that may dry out the hide.

Should buckskin purses be stored in plastic?

Never store buckskin in an airtight plastic bag, which traps moisture. Allowing air circulation preserves the leather's natural oils so it stays supple. Store buckskin items on shelves or hooks if possible.

How can you waterproof a buckskin purse?

Applying beeswax-based waterproofing treatments 2-3 times per year helps repel water from buckskin while allowing it to breathe. Re-waterproof whenever the leather feels dry for best results.