Desdemona’s handkerchief plays an important role in the play. Explain what happens to it and why it is important.

The scarf was Othello's mother's and given to Desdemona. Desdemona drops it. Othello's wife Emilia picks it up and gives it to Iago, not knowing why he wanted it. Iago perpetuates the rumour that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. Iago tells Othello, the lie, that he saw Cassio using the scarf hence an affair.