2018.002.019 [Shoe]

This is a wooden shoe sole made of a combination of dried leather strips, nails, and wood strips. The sole consists of 21 pieces total: 2 strips form the center spine of the sole, running along the length, while 19 of the strips radiate outward from the center spine. The strips are nailed to a singular thin sheet of dark wood that forms the bottom platform of the sole. There are no less than 68 nails in total. The item is in decent condition, considering its construction and age. There is, however, a large portion of the rear half of the sole missing from the item. The line where this portion broke off is smoothed over, indicating that the missing portion became detached quite some time ago. There are signs of adhesive residue on the surface of the item, suggesting that this item may have either been repaired or modified by someone other than its original owner. The remains of a sticker tag can be found on the top surface of the item, although the words are now illegible due to a failed attempt to remove the entire tag, which left behind only pieces stuck to the item. The sticker tag is likely not original since it appears to be printed in English and not German. This item demonstrates the effects of the British blockade of Germany during World War I, which resulted in strict rationing and scarcity of commonplace construction materials. This content can be used with the following resources: SS-WH.9-12.26: Iowans Influence World History This content can be used to educate students about the economic impacts of the First World War and the part that Iowans played in contributing to the economic embargo of the German Empire. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item for any copyright restrictions.