Originally Posted by
Jock Scot
In my youth, there was style of sporran that could be described very much by all, as general purpose and was in those days, regarded as acceptable by all and for all events, but these days they are never seen, as modern sensibilities and legal protections have rendered them as almost extinct.
I am talking about the full mask with a almost a full body of fur style of sporran and were quite large when compared with modern sporrans. With most native animals that were used in decline added to modern public sensibilities and scarcity issues, they are now heavily protected by law and for mostly good reason, I cannot ever see that particular style of sporran ever returning. Yes, there are furs still used for sporrans from some animals, but the style of sporran is much smaller these days and with the dimensions very much like the sporrans of today.
I'm a fan of mask sporrans and sometimes wear them to the various Highland games I attend, or to our annual Burns Supper. Only one of mine would fall into the "quite large" category you mention. Mine are mostly made from creatures which are often consider a nuisance, and have never elicited a negative comment (which I've heard!
). Of course, folks in my part of the world are generally accustomed to taxidermy...
I'm surprised to hear that they're so seldom scene in your part of the world.
Cheers,
SM
Shaun Maxwell
Vice President & Texas Commissioner
Clan Maxwell Society
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