Antique Inlaid Mother of Pearl Wooden Shoes Collectable Traditional Ottoman Costume: C19th Ottoman Turkey

A pair of antique Ottoman Turkish bath clogs, traditionally known as Nalin.

Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries during the Ottoman Empire, these clogs were worn by wealthy women inside public bathhouses (hammams). They were intricately handcrafted out of water-resistant hardwoods and inlaid with materials like mother-of-pearl and silver wire.

They shielded the feet from the intensely hot marble floors of the bathhouse.

The elevated platforms kept the wearer's feet away from the dirty, soap-slicked water draining across the tiles.

The height of the clogs often reflected the woman's wealth and status; exceptionally tall versions required the support of personal attendants just to walk.

As domestic baths became more common, the rituals of the bathhouse declined and nalins were replaced with the simpler "takunya".
A nalin was based on a wooden sole supported on wooden plates under the heel and ball of the foot, and carved from a single piece. A strap secured the nalin to the foot. The base was carved from hardwood such as plane, box, ebony, walnut or sandalwood. This was then embellished with precious metals or inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

The takunya were much simpler and lower. They were also worn in the house not only in the bath and usually their decoration was pieces of mother of pearl embedded in the wood today, nalins and takunya have been replaced with clogs of any kind.

Measurements:
Length: 23.5cm
Height: 7.5cm

Condition:
Very good antique condition with a few missing pieces of mother of pearl. One historic repair where a wedge has been cut from one heel and replaced. Sensitively done and in similar hardwood to original. Can be displayed with this hidden.