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21 Feb 2024

The Origin and Evolution of Buttons - Unveiling India's Ancient Contribution to Fashion

Written by

The Logical Indian

Introduction

In the intricate tapestry of fashion history, there is one often overlooked yet indispensable element that stands out—the humble button. Little did we know that this everyday fastening device has its roots deeply embedded in the rich soil of the Indus Valley Civilisation, marking India as the birthplace of this sartorial essential.

Ancient Beginnings

The journey of buttons began around 7000 BCE from a burial site at Mehrgarh in the Indus Valley, where the earliest known button, crafted from a curved seashell, emerged. Initially serving as ornamental embellishments, these buttons symbolised wealth and status, adorning the attire of the privileged. Intriguingly, they featured small holes, allowing them to be delicately stitched onto clothing, forming geometric patterns that hinted at the artistry of ancient civilisations.

Evolution into Utility

As centuries unfolded, buttons transcended their decorative role, gradually morphing into practical fasteners. The Romans, recognising their utility, employed buttons to secure clothing with the aid of pins, foreshadowing the future functionality of this unassuming accessory.

Democratisation in the Industrial Era

However, the true transformation of the button awaited the Middle Ages, which introduced a groundbreaking innovation—the buttonhole. This simple yet elegant design revolutionised the world of fashion, enabling buttons to pass through openings and secure garments in place. Fashion would never be the same again, as this unassuming feature quietly reshaped the way we dress.

Despite their growing practicality, buttons remained a luxury afforded only by the affluent until the Industrial Revolution ushered in mass production. The button, now streamlined and featuring four holes for efficient attachment, became a ubiquitous staple in clothing. The once ornate embellishments evolved into functional fixtures, democratising fashion and making buttons an accessible commodity for all.

Modern Variations and Sustainability

In the realm of traditional tailoring, the horn button reigned supreme. However, recent years have witnessed a resurgence of interest in alternative materials, such as the corozo button. Derived from the corozo tree's nut, each button bears a unique fingerprint-like pattern due to the grain of the nut, adding a touch of individuality to modern fashion.

The Legacy of the Indus Valley

It is fascinating to note that the buttons we use today, in their varied colours and shapes, trace their lineage back to the ancient buttons of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The seashell buttons that once adorned the garments of the elite have evolved into an integral aspect of our daily lives, thanks to the inventive spirit of a civilisation that flourished thousands of years ago. These shell buttons found a new centre of production: the town of Muscatine, Iowa by the early 1900s.

Conclusion

As we fasten our clothes with buttons, let us remember that this unassuming accessory carries within its history the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation of a people whose legacy lives on in the very fabric of our fashion. India, the unsung hero of the button's origin, continues to influence and shape the way we dress, seamlessly weaving its ancient contributions into the modern tapestry of style.

References

● Britannica: (Jul 20, 1998)
https://www.britannica.com/topic/button-clothing-accessory

● Aramco World: (Nov/Dec, 2020)Caroline Stone
https://www.aramcoworld.com/Articles/November-2020/The-Westward-Journeys-of-Buttons

● Book - Fashion Through the History:
https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Fashion_through_History/QJ9fDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=corozo+button+history&pg=PA263&printsec=frontcover

● Encyclopaedia
https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports-and-everyday-life/fashion-and-clothing/clothing-jewelry-and-personal-adornment/button#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20earliest%20extant%20pieces%20of%20clothing%20to%20show%20the%20use%20of%20buttons%20as%20fastenings%20is%20the%20pourpoint%20of%20Charles%20of%20Blois%20(c.%201319%E2%80%931364).%20This%20new%20outer%20garment%20was%20fitted%20in%20the%20body%20and%20sleeves%2C%20with%20buttons%20used%20to%20close%20the%20front%20and%20the%20sleeves%20from%20the%20elbow.

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IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. The Logical Indian is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian Millennials. IndiaFirst Life and The Logical Indian have come together to showcase India’s rich history of innovation in different fields of life which have made a significant mark on humanity and globally. Please note, The information presented here is the result of a collaborative effort between The IndiaFirst Life, Dentsu Creative & The Logical Indian. All research and fact-finding is credited to Dentsu Creative in association with The Logical Indian.