Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca, ca. 300 CE. A fascinating pair of a llanke sandals, hand woven from vegetal fibers. They are created with a thick sole; twisted cords are sewn and woven together to create the ovoid foot bed. A strap, that would go around the back of the ankle, connects to both sides of the sole heel. Additional straps run the length of the foot and attach to both ends of the toe box. The slack cordage at the center would have twisted around the ankle to secure the sandals. The llanke may have belonged to a soldier. Interestingly, sometimes the soles covered only part of the foot, leaving the toes exposed for gripping! As with any clothing, the material and decoration indicated status. These fiber shoes were likely owned by a hatun runas, or common soldier. Size: 10" L x 3" W (25.4 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to1960s

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#163026

Fraying to cords and unraveling of straps on one shoe. Earthen deposits and encrustations on undersides as expected with use. Modern cloth foot inserts included.