Art Institute of Chicago

Qabqabs (Bath Clogs)

Algeria

Date

Mid–19th century

Medium

Wood inlaid with mother of pearl

Culture

Algeria

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Both men and women wore qabqabs (bath clogs) in hammams (public baths) throughout North Africa, the Mediterranean, and southwestern Asia. These raised wooden clogs elevated the wearer’s feet above the wet, soapy floors. The name "qabqab" derives from the clomping sound they make when walking on stone floors. Qabqabs for wealthy women were often elaborate, sometimes reaching stilt-like heights, three or four times as tall as this example. The use of materials like gold, silver, precious stones, mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, and embroidered straps reflected the owner’s wealth and social standing. The higher the clogs, the more likely the wearer would need assistance from attendants to walk, further emphasizing their elite status.

The authoritative record is held by Art Institute of Chicago. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.