A PAIR OF EGYPTIAN PLAITED PALM LEAF SANDALS

Typical of the New Kingdom, Egyptian sandals with soles plaited on the diagonal frequently feature three rows of sewn coils on the edge. A U-shaped back strap is attached to the edge, while the front strap pierces the plaited sole. Other examples feature pointed and curled toes, but this pair was of simpler design. A significant number of examples are preserved from sites in Egypt due to arid conditions, with a notable amount deriving from the workmen’s village of Deir el-Medina (western Thebes). For a detailed discussion see André J. Veldmeijer, Ancient Egyptian Footwear: The Medelhavsmuseet Collection, Stockholm, 2014.