The term macramé originated in Arabic culture to describe a kerchief or shawl to protect the head. After 1500, in Italy and Spain, the meaning of macramé evolved into its present form by being created by knotting the unwoven ends of a fabric.

Macramé was brought to the new world in California from Italy and was very popular until the early 1900's. It experienced a revival in the 1970's.

The ivory purse is made with very fine thread and it is from the late 1800's.

Emily Reynolds made the brown bag for Katherine Burgum upon her retirement in 1980 as Dean of the College of Home Economics at NDSU.

Donors: unknown and Katherine Kilbourne Burgum