The Aesthetics Of Decoration In Footwear: A Design Analysıs Of Fantasy Shoes And Slippers Found In Konya Museums60F

Abstract

Footwear, extending beyond its function as a mere article of clothing, constitutes objects imbued with social, cultural, and aesthetic significance. In particular, fantasy shoes and slippers enriched through ornamental techniques stand out as valuable cultural artifacts, reflecting the craftsmanship practices of their time, prevailing conceptions of fashion, and indicators of social status. This study undertakes an examination of traditional fantasy shoes and slippers distinguished by their ornamental qualities, preserved in the A.R. İzzet Koyunoğlu Museum and Library, the Konya Ethnography Museum, the Nasreddin Hodja Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, the Seydişehir Municipality Museum (Adile Baysal House of Culture and Arts), as well as various private collections in Konya.
The research focuses on women’s and men’s shoes and slippers dated between the 18th and 20th centuries, analyzing them with regard to their functional purposes, production techniques, material diversity, ornamental features, and design principles. The selected specimens are systematically evaluated in terms of their measurements, forms, material usage, stitching techniques, and decorative approaches. Employing techniques such as metal-thread embroidery, tel kırma (metal wirework), appliqué, and beadwork applied to fabrics including cloth, leather, and velvet, these footwear items were predominantly utilized in women’s dowries or in conjunction with ceremonial attire. The vegetal, geometric, and stylized motifs observed on the footwear embody not only the artisans’ aesthetic sensibilities but also the broader artistic perceptions of their period.
As the production of such footwear has nearly ceased in the present day, these objects serve as significant documentary resources for the preservation of cultural heritage. The findings of this study seek to contribute to a deeper understanding of Turkish ornamental arts, women’s dress traditions, and the history of craftsmanship. Accordingly, the documentation of these design artifacts and the safeguarding of their place within cultural memory for transmission to future generations are of paramount importance.