The Lost Code

Clogs

19th century
Wood
L. 34 cm
For many years, leather shoes were luxury items for most people, and those who had them took good care of them. Waterproof and inexpensive, clogs were very common, and were either worn alone or over other shoes to protect them from water and mud. When worn alone, they were stuffed with straw for greater comfort. And on cold days, people filled them with hot ashes for a few minutes before putting them on to go work outside. Clogs were sculpted from a single piece of wood by clogmakers, who were often traveling tradesmen.
Musée de la civilisation Collection, 65–76