Reite people on the Rai Coast of Papua New Guinea describe a large ceremonial drum (a garamut) as a man. In its construction, a garamut is the focus of a process which brings forth a form of social relations, as well as the object […]
Author: ciaracoogan

In Other Shoes – Native Ecuadorian Shoes
My first thoughts? I would wear these! Tuxen’s notes on this pair of shoes, from the Latin American country right on the equator, are sparse: Native Ecuadorian shoes. Bought for me in Quito on October 1st 1957 by Dr.Phil. Marie Hammer. Were received by […]

Crocheted Hat – Bahrain
Here’s a little something from the highest nobility of a very small country! Back in the 1950’s, Ole Brande-Lavridsen was endowed with a full Bahraini outfit, given to him by the ruler himself – Sheik Sulman bin Hamed al Khalifa, whose descendants are still leading […]

In Other Shoes – Chinese Lotus Shoes
Sometimes footwear isn’t just footwear. Sometimes it tells the story of much more – traditional gender roles, power structures, and customs of aesthetics. We’ve described the old Chinese tradition of foot binding on the blog before, explaining why the shoes we display from this region […]

Kaftan – India
Silk! The fabric equivalent of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum – historically reserved for the nobler part of society. Needless to say, this garment was traditionally worn only by the aristocracy. From the beautifully picturesque “land of high passes”, Ladakh, neighbouring the Himalayas […]

In Other Shoes – Icelandic Skin Socks
Confused by the title? According to S.L. Tuxen, these are supposedly a form of socks – however, we’ve had trouble understanding exactly how that would work. Could they be a form of shin guards? Or an extension for the shoe? We are not sure – […]

Bird Mask – Chad
We know – it’s too late for Halloween inspiration! Nevertheless, this mask deserves some attention, not least because of the effort it must have taken to wear it. Made to resemble a bird’s head – more specifically the head of a large Ground Hornbil […]

In Other Shoes – Icelandic Sheepskin Shoes
The very first pair of shoes to spur Tuxen’s fascination with footwear was Icelandic, and thus Iceland is represented very preciously in his collection. Here is yet another example of the island’s comfy slippers – this time in a different colour combination, made especially to fit Tuxen […]

In Other Shoes – Faroese Skoleistar
Once again, Tuxen’s shoe collection takes us to the Faroe Islands – this time, however, not for a full pair of shoes. These are a pair of insoles, meant to be worn inside the actual shoes during the coldest months of winter: “Skoleistar from the Faroe Islands. Knitted […]

In Other Shoes – Faroese Rotiskogvar
Bearing quite a resemblance to these cow skin shoes, this pair of Faroese footwear is a much brighter and colourful version! Wonder if the braided red thread has any special meaning? See what Tuxen wrote in his notes: “Rotiskogvar” from the Faroe Islands. Sewn for […]

In Other Shoes – Japanese Getas
To follow up on last week’s post on wooden Japanese clogs, we here bring you a slightly lighter model – also for men! Or, at least Tuxen seemed to think so: Wooden slippers from Japan – getas. Given to me on October 30th 1957 by Dr. Shinjo […]

In Other Shoes – Spanish Espadrilles
Look familiar? Having become a popular design within fashion trends through recent years, most of us probably recognize these shoes as “espadrilles”. Lovely light summer shoes, however best in sunny weather, as the sole is prone to soak up puddles from rainy weather! Here are Tuxen’s […]