Merchant’s Pouch, Novgorod, 11th Century

Based on Excavations of the Novgorod Kremlin

This pouch was discovered by archaeologists during the excavation of the 14th pavement layer of Bishop’s Street in the Novgorod Kremlin in 1938. It dates to the first half of the 11th century and is commonly referred to as the “Merchant’s Pouch.”

• Material: Cowhide leather (1.5 mm thick)
• Dimensions: 17 × 11 × 0.4 cm
• Features: Leather ties, linen thread

According to the 1939 publication by A.A. Strokov, V.A. Bogusevich, and B.K. Manteifel, the pouch’s contents included:

“Two bronze cups from small scales, a broken balance beam, a bronze dirham with a loop, 20 bronze weights, five small stones, part of a bronze needle, a bronze buckle, a bead, a flattened bronze ring, and a cherry stone.”

The bronze dirham is particularly significant for dating the pouch and the cultural layer in which it was found. Experts identified it as a 10th-century counterfeit of a silver Arab coin. This indicates the pouch was likely lost no later than the first half of the 11th century.

Modern Use:

This pouch is a practical everyday accessory for securely storing small items, such as coins, paper money, glasses, a mobile phone, or documents.

In role-playing games, it serves the same purpose, providing a thematic way to store in-game items.

It’s an authentic historical accessory suitable for any medieval or fantasy merchant character.

Place this pouch inside a bag, from a belt pouch to a large backpack, and rest assured that your items will be safer than if stored loosely.

It also can be an elegant gift wrap for small, valuable presents.