Pedro del Rio Zañartu visited Turkey twice, in 1881 and in 1904. In both journeys, he acquired pieces of art and cultural objects like this pair of footwear.
Made of wood, and covered in nacre details, this lovely pair of women’s footwear, called kabkabs, were used by women inside of Turkish baths. Known as hamam, Turkish baths are steam baths, as well as social and cultural institution that play an important role in the socialization and segregation of men and women.
At the end of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1923) public baths were open to all, men and women, and the rich culture surrounding the Turkish baths is manifested in the bath accessories, including this example of kabkabs.