Content description:
Made of vegetable fiber. They were collected among the Cahuilla on the border of the Colorado desert, and date to the late 19th or early 20th century. Shoes were not felt to be a necessity by the peoples of Southern California. Most folks went barefoot year round. However, sandals like these with their fiber cord foundation, toe and heel loop, and woven soles were worn when walking over especially rough or thorny ground.
Consultation and/or research has led us to believe that this item is not considered funerary or culturally sensitive. However, affiliated Tribe(s) determine the cultural significance of their items. If this item is a part of your heritage and you wish to contact us about it, please email nagpra@museumca.org.
For additional information on OMCA’s work in service to Native communities, please click here.