Boots c. 20th century

These boots were made with leather and thread by an anonymous maker. These practical objects were constructed with great care. The upper parts are made with pieces of dyed, yellow leather, carefully sewn together. The soles and tops have been stitched together using the techniques and skills from the tradition of leatherworking. The boots involved a series of processes that required skill and time: tanning the hide, cutting, dyeing, sewing, and embellishing. The amount of work involved in the production process reflects on the lives of those who made and wore them. They tell stories about the daily life and the cultural values of the community they came from. When we look at this pair of boots, we are invited to consider the relationship between the maker, the wearer, and the environment. Paying attention to the materiality and the making of objects like these can bring new perspectives to the study of the history and culture.