Presented in this lot is a pair of Rare Nuristani Handmade Wooden Carved Sandals, circa early 1900s. Procured in the high Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and Snite Museum of Art, the University of Notre Dame, especially ancient artifacts from Afghanistan. The Hindu Kush is an 800-kilometre-long (500 mi) mountaina range in Central and South Asia to the west of the Himalayas. It stretches from central and eastern Afghanistan into northwestern Pakistan and far southeastern Tajikistan. The Hindu Kush range region was a historically significant center of Buddhism, with sites such as the Bamiyan Buddhas. The range and communities settled in it hosted ancient monasteries, important trade networks and travelers between Central Asia and South Asia. Also known as "paduka", these sandals are an ancient form of footwear, consisting of a sole with a metal post and knob which is positioned between the big and second toe. Each shoe is carved from a single piece of wood; uppermost surface decorated with incised designs. They might be made in the shape of actual feet, or of fish, for example, and have been made of wood, ivory and silver. They may be elaborately decorated, such as when used as part of a bride's trousseau, but could also be given as religious offerings or themselves be the object of veneration. Although simple wooden padukas could be worn by common people, padukas of fine teak, ebony and sandalwood, inlaid with ivory or wire, were a mark of the wearer's high status. In the modern world, padukas are worn as footwear by mendicants and saints of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These carved sandals are in nice condition, with a simple scale pattern and nice patina, normal use wear observed, slight chipping. Measure 4"W x 10"L x 1.25"H, total weight 1lb