Highland Dress Accessories | Sporrans
Sporrans were originally a large and somewhat clumsy pouch usually made from the skin of an animal such as an otter or a goat. For people of importance the sporran was mounted with brass or silver. The sporran has now developed into a finely ornamented accessory which is used to hold such items as money, keys and handkerchiefs.
There are sporrans for daywear, semi formal wear and formal wear, each available in different leathers or skins and with different tassels and ornamentation. The chains on the sporran strap are attached to the rings on the back of the sporran. The straps are then put through the sporran loops at the back of the kilt. The hang of the sporran is adjusted using the rear strap and buckle – it is worn high and not midway down the front of the kilt. The sporran cantle is often chosen to match the design of the belt buckle and sgian dubh.
Day sporrans are normally made of black or brown leather with leather tassels. The leather is sometimes studded or tooled with celtic knots.
Dress sporrans are more decorative and ornate and Victorian examples were often ostentatious and very different from the simple leather pouch of the 17th or 18th centuries. They usually have chrome or silver cantles, trimming the top of the pouch and a fur covered face with fur or hair tassels. The cantle design may contain etchings of celtic knots. The top of the cantle may have a set stone, jewel, or emblems such as Saint Andrew, a thistle or clan symbols.
Military sporrans may be worn with regimental attire. Pipers will often wear the most flamboyant sporrans with long horsehair that swishes from side to side as the piper marches.