Judith Librach




Material culture refers to the objects that are created by a society and the meaning of those objects to people. The mission of the Bata Shoe Museum is to communicate the central role of footwear in shaping the social and cultural life of humanity.

Join us as we explore three shoes from the museum’s collection All About Shoes and the exhibit Future Now. We'll tap into our powers of observation to find out how the materiality and design of a shoe can reveal meaningful information about ourselves and others.


TOUR
We’ll begin our tour with a short activity, so let's head down to the lower lobby in the Hands-On section to try on some fun and unusual shoes. Two lucky volunteers will try on a pair of shoes of their choice - maybe a rubbery fish shoe, a sparkly platform, or an extra large clown shoe? - and tell us out how it feels to wear them (all students will have a chance to try on these shoes in their free time).

Now let’s move on to more shoes!


Otzi’s Shoes
These are an exact replica of shoes that belonged to Otzi, a late Stone-age mummified man found in Italy. They are 5300 years old! Despite what their simple appearance may suggest, we will explore how in fact, these shoes reflect the advancing technology and the craft skills of a complex society.

Ask Yourself: Do these resemble any modern-day shoes?

Find out more:
Otzi (Warning-mummified body image): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0agm6awGvc
Stone Age: https://www.history.com/topics/pre-history/stone-age


Padukas

These beautifully decorated gold and silver padukas from 18th century India were probably worn for a very special occasion! However, padukas can be made from a variety of materials. Let’s find out what their unique material and design elements reveal about the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the people who wore them (especially those elevated platforms!).

Ask Yourself How would it feel to wear these shoes? 

 

Puma Sneakers

 
Mass production and single use materials have increased our environmental footprint, and the world is feeling the impacts of climate change. We’ll look at how this shoe was designed in 2020 to achieve new standards of environmentally friendly practices in footwear production (while still looking super fashionable!) and how this reflects changing social concerns.

Ask Yourself What are ways I can reduce my environmental footprint? 

Find out more: “Your Sneakers Are Part of the Plastics Problem,” National Geographic:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIgeM2JFIWo
 
 
Bonus: Virtual Shoe

“Huh? I don’t see a shoe!” you say? The image of these shoes is only accessible from inside the museum by using a smartphone and QR Code technology. How will the metaverse redefine the meaning of shoes?

Ask Yourself How can a shoe in virtual spaces have meaning (e.g., functional, ceremonial, cultural)?

Find out more:
The future of sneakers: https://fashionmagazine.com/style/future-sneaker-design/


ACTIVITY: Be a detective!
 
PART 1: Look for Clues
Find a friend and look closely at these footprints. What kind of shoes made them? Discuss together and try to name the types of shoes for at least 3 or 4 of these prints.

Consider the following: Are there any clues as to what the shoe might be used for, or by whom? What materials do you think it might be made from? What form is the heel, and is it high, medium or low? Where or when would you wear this shoe?

PART 2: Design Your Own Shoe
Draw a picture of a shoe that would match one of the prints. Be super creative; the sole and heel of your shoe has to match the print, but the shoe design itself doesn't have to match the typical shoe that might normally make the print. Think of how you can personalize the shoe to reflect something about yourself (such as your interests, favourite colours, or other inspirations).

Consider the following: When drawing your shoe, be creative with shape, pattern, colour, form, size, etc., and think about what these choices mean. For example, complimentary colours can make a design pop so if you want to be noticed, that would be one way to get attention! 

Alternative Activity Option: Look at and touch your own shoes. Describe the feel of the material and their form. Think of three things you could change or add to your shoe that would change their function and discuss with a partner. Be creative!


Thanks for visiting! 
Here’s some extra fun stuff for you to think about…. 

What do you call two banana peels? A pair of slippers.

I talk to my shoes because the box they came in says Converse.

Who's there?
Wooden shoe.
Wooden shoe who?
Wouldn't shoe like to know.

Velcro shoes are such a rip-off.

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