Paduka sandals
Wood
Paduka sandals from India
These wooden sandals are from India and are said to have been worn by Hindu priests. They are called 'padukas', which are wooden sandals with narrow stilts and a single toe post. Padukas are often decorated like this pair, but can also have intricate shapes and decorative inlays.
Padukas are often associated with holiness, as they encourage the practice of minimising violence which is a part of Hindu and Jain religious traditions in India. The narrow stilts help the wearer to avoid unnecessarily trampling plants and insects.
Museum object number
See related topic: World Collection: Belief