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Rush Sandal Piece

Maker Egyptian

DateNew Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1550–1298 B.C.E.

GeographyDayr al Baḩrī, Sūhāj, Egypt, Africa

MediumPlant fiber

Dimensionsoverall (approx.): 8 3/4 in. x 5 1/4 in. (22.2 cm x 13.3 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Egypt Exploration Fund

Object number1905.106

Status

Not on view

RightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws

Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA

More Information

Object Label

This woven papyrus sandal is worn and discolored from frequent walking. It likely belonged to a laborer tasked with building the royal temples at Deir el-Bahri, specifically the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the only female pharaohs of ancient Egypt. According to news reports at the time of the 1905 excavation, a number of other objects excavated from the site attested to the presence of laborers, including a wooden mallet and a basket. A hole located in the top middle of the sandal indicates the placement of a strap that would have run between the owner’s toes. This type of sandal provided a secure fit as its wearer built temples that would withstand the test of time.