‘Snow boot’ from 3,000 years ago unveils ancient footwear culture

Isn’t this adorable painted pottery boot from over 3,000 years ago reminiscent of a contemporary snow boot? It features a burgundy ceramic coating with symmetrical black double-line motifs on the shaft and black double-line strips and triangle patterns on the upper. Its design offers a glimpse into the footwear of ancient people, indicating that they had already moved beyond primitive footwear made from a single piece of animal hide.

Unearthed at the Liuwan site in Ledu district, Haidong, Qinghai, this boot is a valuable piece for studying the craftsmanship, social customs and footwear culture of Chinese ancestors. Collection: Qinghai Museum.