Nubian, Sudan, Egypt

These three sandals feature leatherwork from opposite sides of the Indian Ocean. They share stacked leather panels and straps made of knotted cords, with a linear design running from near the heels to each of the toes. These design similarities potentially document artistic exchange between East African and South Asian Muslims.

Old museum records claim the Nubian shoe belonged to a Dervish—a derogatory term used to describe a Muslim. Notes also suggest the shoe’s owner died in northeastern Africa in a battle between Mahdist Nubian forces and the Anglo-Egyptian army. The Nubian shoe is greatly dulled by heavy wear, particularly compared to the Indian pair. [see also 16.203]