Sandal
ca. 30BC-AD300 (Made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
A pair of incomplete leather sandals, Egyptian, ca. 30BC- AD300 (probably). Elaborately decorated with openwork and impressions. The straps are missing but were probably plaited.
Coptic footwear was primarily made with leather, often using the turned technique, to produce a slipper or shoe with a straight sole. Slippers often included a rand at the vamp and a fibre padded sole sewn together with prominent stitching or insole tab. They show variation in the form and height of the instep. Shoes were generally slip-ons and also show variation in the form and height of the instep. Footwear was highly decorated in geometric and floral designs. Often a variety of techniques were used in combination, with the most popular being dyeing, gilding, openwork and appliqué.
Coptic footwear was primarily made with leather, often using the turned technique, to produce a slipper or shoe with a straight sole. Slippers often included a rand at the vamp and a fibre padded sole sewn together with prominent stitching or insole tab. They show variation in the form and height of the instep. Shoes were generally slip-ons and also show variation in the form and height of the instep. Footwear was highly decorated in geometric and floral designs. Often a variety of techniques were used in combination, with the most popular being dyeing, gilding, openwork and appliqué.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Tanned leather with openwork, stamping and plaiting (now missing). |
| Brief description | A pair of incomplete leather sandals, Egyptian, ca. 30BC- AD300 (probably). Elaborately decorated with openwork and impressions. |
| Physical description | A pair of incomplete, flat, dark leather sandals. Egyptian ca. 30BC-AD300 (probably). Pointed toe and round heel. Treadsole: Straight. Openwork shows through. The toe strap knot is seen and knots from the back straps remain at the seat. Midsole: can be seen. Insole: Four back strap ends remain either side at seat. Decorated with openwork around perimeter and down centre. Linear punched design placed over openwork. Small circular impression alongside the openwork. A group of three larger circles, forming a triangle, are seen along the sandal. Straps: Now missing but probably plaited. |
| Styles | |
| Object history | Acquired from D.B.Myers Esq. |
| Summary | A pair of incomplete leather sandals, Egyptian, ca. 30BC- AD300 (probably). Elaborately decorated with openwork and impressions. The straps are missing but were probably plaited. Coptic footwear was primarily made with leather, often using the turned technique, to produce a slipper or shoe with a straight sole. Slippers often included a rand at the vamp and a fibre padded sole sewn together with prominent stitching or insole tab. They show variation in the form and height of the instep. Shoes were generally slip-ons and also show variation in the form and height of the instep. Footwear was highly decorated in geometric and floral designs. Often a variety of techniques were used in combination, with the most popular being dyeing, gilding, openwork and appliqué. |
| Bibliographic reference | See R. Smalley, "Dating Coptic Footwear: A Typological and Comparative Approach", Journal of Coptic Studies 14 (2012): 97-135 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 850-1903 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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