Object ID
2008.27.6.A
Object Name
Shoe, Tsarouxia
Material
Cotton; Leather; Metal; Wool
Object Description
Handmade men's brown leather shoes. There is a black leather trim along the top and sole of the shoe. At the top on the toe of the shoe, there is a large wool pom pom. There are many metal studs on the soles of the shoes. Stitches made with brown and black thread throughout the shoe.
Origin
A tsarouhi is a type of shoe, which is typically known nowadays as part of the traditional uniform worn by the Greek guards known as Evzones.
Their origin is obscure and goes back to the Byzantine times, with influences from styles imported by neighbouring tribes, including the Turks. They were the most common footwear worn by both urban and rural Greeks, mainly men, but also many women. After the Greek independence in early 19th century, their use was limited to isolated rural areas and nomadic populations, seen by westernised urbanites as a sign of uncouthness and backwardness. In a version with reinforced sole, they remained the issue boot for the Evzone units well into the 20th century, though after the First World War were gradually replaced in active service by the standard laced boot. Tsarouxia provide a clear link with the origin of the Evzone uniform in the traditional Greek costume, and with the fact that Evzones were largely enlisted from rural mountainous regions of Greece. Nowadays they are almost exclusively used by the presidential guard and in various traditional festivals and dances along with other traditional Greek garments.
Tsarouchia are typically made of a number of pieces of stiff leather hand-sewn together, in the moccasin fashion. They have a characteristic pointy nose, usually covered by a large woolen pompon, which often occurs in Turkey as well.
Their origin is obscure and goes back to the Byzantine times, with influences from styles imported by neighbouring tribes, including the Turks. They were the most common footwear worn by both urban and rural Greeks, mainly men, but also many women. After the Greek independence in early 19th century, their use was limited to isolated rural areas and nomadic populations, seen by westernised urbanites as a sign of uncouthness and backwardness. In a version with reinforced sole, they remained the issue boot for the Evzone units well into the 20th century, though after the First World War were gradually replaced in active service by the standard laced boot. Tsarouxia provide a clear link with the origin of the Evzone uniform in the traditional Greek costume, and with the fact that Evzones were largely enlisted from rural mountainous regions of Greece. Nowadays they are almost exclusively used by the presidential guard and in various traditional festivals and dances along with other traditional Greek garments.
Tsarouchia are typically made of a number of pieces of stiff leather hand-sewn together, in the moccasin fashion. They have a characteristic pointy nose, usually covered by a large woolen pompon, which often occurs in Turkey as well.
Rights and Reproduction
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Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.
For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Shoe, Tsarouxia, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/7974. Accessed 04/19/24.