Wooden Sandals, mother-of-pearl decorations, Damascus, ca. 1900
These wooden sandals are also called "kapkap". The kapkap is most at home in the Levant, especially on the coasts of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt. This pair of wooden sandals comes from Damascus and was part of a collection in England until recently. Beautiful mother of pearl decorations, instep band of metal threads. These sandals were worn by women who wanted to compensate for their small body growth by means of stilted shoes. Walking was very difficult with them. Without the help of servants, who came to the aid, walking was probably impossible. There are reports from European travelers that the kapkaps were worn at weddings by "child brides." Others report wearing them in public baths. Very well preserved.
Height: ~ 6 cm
Length: ~ 23 cm
