Linkermuil, maat 35.5, versierd met een rij diagonaal geplaatste korte insteken over de wreefboog c. 1590 - 1596

This collection of leather shoes, crafted by an anonymous maker, gives us a glimpse into the everyday life of someone from the past. Looking at these worn and decorated shoes, we might ask ourselves, what kind of life did the owner of these shoes lead? In what period and social context were they worn? Given the relatively small size, were they perhaps children's shoes? Shoes, of course, serve the practical function of protecting our feet, but they can also tell us a lot about the wearer's social status. Were these shoes, which feature decorative touches, symbols of wealth or status? Or were they common footwear? And how might different styles of shoes reflect religious or political affiliations? By studying artifacts like these shoes, we can piece together a more complete picture of the past. Historians rely on surviving documents, archaeological finds, and even the study of fashion to gain insight into earlier cultures.