Posted by Yon Bard on March 30, 1999 at 08:24:11:
It seems that the use of woven bags has been more widespread than one might think. After the Civil War, hordes of Northern tribesmen descended on the South to carry away the spoils of war in their chuvals, khorjins, etc. They were known as carpetbaggers. According to Webster, a carpetbag is a 'travrling bag made of carpet and widely used in the U.S. in the 19th century.' Anybody out there have a good collection of American carpetbags? Incidentally, in last week's episode of "Mystery" on PBS (entitled 'The Wench is Dead') the wench was shown carrying a carpetbag (this was supposed to have taken place in 1850 or so in England) but, unfortunately, one didn't get a good view of it.
For an early use of rugs to transport objects, remember Cleopatra?
Regards, Yon