Object Details
Created by
Unidentified
Description
A pair of mule-or slipper-style shoes with wooden soles and leather uppers. The soles are shaped for the left (a) and right (b) feet. The shoes have rounded toes and carved, slightly raised heels. The shoes have a vamp only, so that the leather would not fully enclose the wearer's foot. Each vamp is made from a single piece of leather that doubles over at the point where the upper attaches to the sole, as well as at the foot opening, for extra strength. The vamps are pegged to the wooden soles with metal pegs. The shoes slip onto the wearers foot and do not have any closure methods.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Avis, Eugene, and Lowell Robinson
Date
mid 19th-early 20th century
Object number
2014.179.3ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
mules
Medium
hide, wood, and metal
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall (a) left): 3 5/8 × 10 7/8 × 5 15/16 in. (9.2 × 27.6 × 15.1 cm)
H x W x D (overall (b) right): 3 1/8 × 11 1/8 × 6 1/8 in. (7.9 × 28.3 × 15.6 cm)
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title
Robinson Family Collection of African American History
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Exhibition
Slavery and Freedom
On View
NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Clothing and dress
Reconstruction, U.S. History, 1865-1877
Slavery
U.S. History, 1865-1921
U.S. History, Civil War, 1861-1865
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2014.179.3ab