Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Peru silver shoes for child or doll?

Posted by howah on January 6, 2013 at 5:48pm

Inspired by the recent posts of the virgin crowns from South America from fellow members, I decided to share this recent acquisition of mine. It's on its way to me.Initially I thought these were South American parade shoes intended for children from wealthy families, but I read something about Santo Nino dolls having silver decorated shoes underneath them. These shoes are 10.5 cm long and have marks that say 900 and YB***. Apparently this indicates a 90% silver purity and the YB*** mark indicating 19th century Peruvian/South American origins. If anybody knows more about the true origins and use of the little shoes, please let me know..

Comments

Eva Baby January 6, 2013 at 6:32pm

What an interesting item! Sorry, I know nothing, just was fascinated by it
Toya January 6, 2013 at 6:46pm

I think these are gorgeous. The detail is amazing for something so small. Are those silver birds on the tops?
Patricia Deany January 6, 2013 at 6:48pm

These are great Howah, amazing how many secret buyers of Peruvian goods there are around, is this a trend, I wonder.
howah January 6, 2013 at 7:06pm

Hi, yes those are 2 silver birds on top. I found these shoes/clogs by chance. This is a whole new collecting category for me. The seller couldn't tell me more about these. My downstairs neighbor is actually from Peru. I will ask her if she recognizes these after I receive them.
ait ouakli January 6, 2013 at 7:25pm

congratulations. nice purshassing and something als what we are use to see and discuss
Akkie January 6, 2013 at 8:56pm

Very nice!
Alaa eddine SAGID January 8, 2013 at 11:10am

How interesting to see the presence of the birds on these shoes!!!

the exact same can be found in many different items used on bridal affairs in former ottoman countries, such as mirrors , khol containers ..... even the blue velvet was used as well!!

probably an old spanish (andalucia) influence

Lovely items indeed
Linda Pastorino January 19, 2013 at 5:08am

these look Peruvian to me or could be also Chilian. the bird in the center is very much like the birds on hair ornaments and shawl sticks I have. I posted a pair of shoes that were similar to this and I posted. These are used with similar heavily embellished costumes that have similar all over work. They were used for parades usually associated with religious events. At one time I saw several costumes at the Denver Art museum but not sure if they are a perminant installation or not. If you look in my albums i believe I have them on this sight. The ones i had were all silver and also had individualized elements on them from what I can remember.
Joost Daalder March 2, 2013 at 12:59am

Very nice, howah!