![]() Foot jewelry has recently become a popular and favorite accessory amongst ladies. While it is a current trending fashion, history reveals that it is in fact, not so new. Foot jewelry, also referred to as barefoot sandals, has been long considered as an ornate type of jewelry in many parts of the world. In fact, its origin flows from various areas of different parts of the globe, and this marks them as a truly universal form of fashion. Admittedly, barefoot jewelry and it's beginning may be attributed to specific parts of South Asia. In this section of the world, foot jewelry became an ornament to be worn on special occasions such as weddings, ceremonies and celebrations. It became extremely popular amongst the young brides who would embellish their feet with heavy foot adornments. Women were highly fond of heavy and loaded versions of foot jewelry in South Asia, with gold and silver enhancements. However, with time, other lighter versions of barefoot jewelry were also released such as those made of light stones and gems, in order to demonstrate the variation in this much loved form of jewelry. Although regions of South Asia are rightly accredited for bringing about this movement, some other areas should also be commended for their passion for barefoot jewelry. Egypt is one such country where foot jewelry has always been labeled as royal and high ranked. As history shows, anklets were widely worn by Egyptian women in their daily routines. These anklets were devised from different metals, and were available in varying shapes and sizes. As per the classes, gold was obviously worn by the rich women, whereas silver and iron were common among the lower classes. Anklets were thus termed as a compulsory accessory for women. However, with time, perceptions altered. Anklets and barefoot jewelry began to be equated with dancers and prostitutes. This significantly shifted the behavior of the people and how they viewed foot jewelry. As a result the wearing of such foot ornaments started to be frowned upon. Additionally, with the growing influence of Islam, certain bans and abominations on foot jewelry gripped the social classes and these have now left it rather unpopular. South Asian countries such as India and Pakistan have contributed to the evolution of foot jewelry, and Egyptian preferences further increased the fame of it; Europe is also not far behind from upholding this form of foot fashion. European history dictates that bronze anklets were the norm during the Bronze Age. Thus, thick and thin anklets were widely worn around in Europe as a commonly accepted accessory. The fashion further gained momentum as the Renaissance and the revolutions altered the course of history. In Europe today, barefoot jewelry is a thriving business and is being sold at profitable prices. On the other hand, the West is also not far behind from revering on such tales. It is believed that in the United States, barefoot hippies were barred from entering establishments on the basis of health requirements and were demanded to wear shoes. This event occurred in the late 1960s which is known for its counterculture movements. The period thus marks the introduction of barefoot sandals in the West and the supposed ban on them.
Foot jewelry is filled with rich history. Its origins are infiltrated with a stream of myths and stories which have perhaps all the more signified their use and wearing. These myths and references stem from different areas of the world and are therefore specific to that region only. One such epic story travels from Indian territory of Tamil, where it narrated a detailed and exaggerated poem of a woman whose husband gets murdered while selling her precious anklet to a dishonest and cheat of a goldsmith. The literature is loaded with sorrow and condemnations, directed towards the goldsmith, who is deceitful in his trading.
References: Margo DeMello. Feet and footwear: a cultural encyclopedia. Macmillan. pp. 65–. ISBN 978-0-313-35714-5. Retrieved from: https://books.google.com/books?id=5QdKSxajwP0C&pg=PA65#v=onepage&q&f=false Author unknown. Indian Foot Jewelry? Retrieved from: http://www.askyourfeet.com/foot-jewelry/indian Sharon Tate's Wardrobe Revealed Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZhkF5Uawvs DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST?
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18 Comments
Jeannette Jeannie Báez
7/4/2015 12:37:08 am
Interesting read. You learn something new everyday. You've been blessed with a special talent. Your foot jewelry is a work of art and beauty. Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July weekend.
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Barbie Turner Coleman
7/4/2015 01:03:27 am
love your work, need to have me some Becs Beach Feet this summer
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Stacie Sawicki
7/4/2015 01:04:37 am
This was very interesting! I love being barefoot or in flip flops, I only wished I lived next to the beach. I have a pair of your beach feet and love them, I wear them every chance I get!
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Doorsie Morrison
7/4/2015 01:05:57 am
I found that to be quite an intriguing article! A lot of interesting things I hadn't realized or didn't know, mixed with great visuals. Thank you for taking the time to research all of that & turning it into a good read!
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Dorene Moo Ramirez
7/4/2015 01:08:06 am
Interesting article! I love these.
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Donna Klein
7/4/2015 01:09:13 am
I love each and every one of the designs that I've seen you post! They are truly amazing! Would love to own a pair of my own!
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Terri Sylvia Grimes
7/4/2015 01:10:23 am
I love the the colors, beads and designs of your barefoot sandals. They make any feet beautiful.
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Mary Vantil
7/4/2015 01:11:19 am
Wow, Thanks for the history lesson, I didn't know they have been around that long. I love your work.
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Cynthia Boutot
7/4/2015 01:12:22 am
Very interesting. I love foot jewelry.
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Renae McGlashen
7/4/2015 01:13:16 am
This is so interesting. I have always loved foot jewelry. My kids bought me some of your pieces for my birthday and I adore them. I always follow your posts!
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Barbara Salisbury
7/4/2015 01:14:39 am
What a great article.I love wearing my beach feet because they make me feel oh so pretty just like these women from yesteryear.
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Claire Rabalais Sharbino
7/4/2015 01:15:16 am
Fun read!! Your jewelry is stunning!!
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Debbi Smith
7/4/2015 01:16:40 am
Have a pair and will get more, one is never enough!
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Jessica Branch
7/4/2015 01:18:28 am
Wow, I love these so much these are awesome. I'm not really a shoe person so these are perfect.
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Jennifer Coulter
7/4/2015 01:19:09 am
Very interesting. Love your creativity & style!
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Amie Repole-Stahl
7/4/2015 02:43:25 am
I love these so much 👍
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Amy Prouse Boneau
7/4/2015 07:59:58 pm
Interesting read. Love all of your creations!
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Cheryl Donnette Bell
7/4/2015 08:00:41 pm
Loved the article!
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