Pair of boots c. 1900

Curator: These are a “Pair of Boots,” dating back to around 1900, currently residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. They appear to be created with mixed-media and textiles, showcasing a very colourful design. There is a definite wearable element to it, a kind of fashion merchandise, almost? What strikes you when you look at these? Editor: The craftsmanship is immediately apparent! What I want to know, is if they really functioned as working boots? Were they maybe ceremonial? Curator: Good question! Let’s consider the materials. The use of layered textiles suggests a concern for visual impact. Given the labour involved in creating these intricate designs, one might consider that they were a product of skilled craftspeople. Was that labor valued? What was the role of textile production in society at the time? Who wore these? The answers to those questions can shift our interpretation away from pure aesthetic appreciation and toward an understanding of labor practices and consumption. Editor: That is so insightful. Looking closely, you can almost see the handwork. This is about more than just personal expression; the creator's skill and time are embedded in the piece. Curator: Exactly. Also, consider what wearing these boots might have signified. Perhaps it was a display of status, an access to valuable resources like dyes or the means to engage skilled laborers. Editor: The "fashion" element now feels loaded with meaning, rather than just about looks. The social element seems really significant in this context, who had access, why were the boots decorated in such ways? Curator: Indeed, it makes one contemplate the whole system that brought these materials and skills together, from the source of the dyes to the social standing of the wearer. That's where the real art lies. Editor: This has certainly made me think beyond just the surface aesthetics! Thanks.