Indian Leather Sandals: "Kolhapuri"

Kohlapuri chappals are handcrafted leather sandals that get their name from the place of their origin, the district of Kohlapur in the state of Maharashtra. Kohlapuri chappal-making is a hereditary craft. Each shoe is made entirely of leather; even the cords used to stitch the sandals are made of leather and no nails are used. The leather may be from the hide of bulls, cows, or goats. The raw leather is hardened by drying and grazing it. After the grazing is done, the large pieces of leather are cut to the size required by using templates. The leather used is either in its natural tan colour or dyed deep brown or a black-maroon. The sole, which is the first part of the chappal to be made, is cut and then two pieces of leather are pasted together and stitched with thongs for added strength. Once the base of the chappal is ready, the main design is created. The more traditional designs have thong-like straps, with a toe-strap for further strength. Kohlapuri chappals range from those with simple straps and plain colours and designs to more decorative ones with a gold cord or gota on them. Sometimes little pink pom-poms are put on top of the thong-like straps or intricate patterns are cut out of the straps.
Source:
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