THE USE OF BELTS AND SASHES IN THE COURSE OF HISTORY

Abstract

In the course of time, beginning with primitive man to the present, natural conditions have forced mankind to first cover and then to dress. The climate of the habitat, natural environment, beliefs, cultural values, economic conditions, and social life have contributed to the formation of clothing. Among the most important coplimentary elements of clothing are accessories such as buttons, belts, sashes and gloves. Clothing and clothing accessories serve as a distinguishing factor signifying differences in status and rank in society. Belts and sashes, which hold an important place among accessories, were first used for functional purposes and later as ornaments. Their primary function is to fasten the garment at the waist. In time, these elements of clothing acquired additional functions serving as carrier for guns, tools, food; even keeping and safeguarding valuables such as Money and jewellery. Thus, they have become indispensable accessories. Archeological findings prove that in one form or another, belts have been used in all ancient civilisations beginning with the Sumerians. This study focuses on the History of belts and sashes as of the prehistoric period. The study also focuses on the uses and functions of belts and sashes in addition to their differing forms in time and their reflections on contemporary fashion in Turkish and Anatolian civilisations as well as in the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, and Central Asian Turkey communities