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The sporran (Scottish Gaelic for 'purse') is a traditional part of Scottish Highland dress. It serves as a wallet and carry-all for necessary personal items and is a offshoot of the common medieval belt-pouch.

Usually made of leather or fur, the ornamentation of the sporran is chosen to complement the formality and style of dress it?s worn with. Early sporrans would have been worn suspended from the belt on either hip, but later were hung from a separate strap or chain  in front of the wearer, positioned over the groin. When engaging in any activity where a heavy pouch might encumber the wearer though, the sporran can be turned around the waist to hang on the hip in a more casual position.

The sporran was superseded to a large extent when clothing started to be designed with pockets*, but persisted in the Scottish Highlands because of the lack of these accessories in the traditional kilt. 

Day sporrans are usually leather shovel pouches with simple adornment - three or more leather tassels and They are often embossed or hand-tooled with Celtic, thistle, or other designs on the flap and body, and fasten with a stud or hook closure. This style of traditional purse was convenient to use on a daily basis. 

Dress sporrans can be larger than the day variety, and are usually much more ornate.  They can have sterling or silver-plated cantles trimming the top of the pouch and a fur-covered face with fur or hair tassels. The cantle may contain intricate filigree or etchings of Celtic knots and is sometimes set with a stone, jewel, or emblems such as Saint Andrew, a thistle, or Clan symbols.

* During the 16th century, pockets increased in popularity and prevalence. In European clothing, pockets began by being hung like purses from a belt, which could be concealed beneath a coat or jerkin to discourage pickpocketing and reached through a slit in the outer garment.