DepartmentTextiles-United States & Canada

Caites

NameShoes

CultureTzotzil (Tsotsil), Maya

Datec. 1960

Place madeZinacantán, Chiapas, Mexico, North America

MediumLeather

Dimensions8 7/16 × 10 1/4 in. (21.5 × 26 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Robert Laughlin, A.1964.57.1 H

Object numberA.1964.57.1 H

Collections

ProvenanceThis costume was acquired by seller from two men from Chiapas—likely Romin Teretol and Anselmo Peres. The seller spent several months in late 1963 working at the laboratory of Anthropology on a dictionary project.

DescriptionHeavy sole built up of 14 layers of leather. "U" shaped fold of leather around heel, reaching to lower calf. Flap or tongue of light tan leather. One long thong, knotted on sole, brought through hole at big toe, passed through slits.