Footwear

Here are leather boots from the 2nd century BC – the 2nd century AD – a rare example of the preservation of organic material in the arid climate of Central Asia.
The shoes are made of solid pieces of leather, probably cowhide or sheep, with a soft top and a characteristically turned-up toe. This design was of practical importance: the curved toe made it easier to move across the steppe without clinging to vegetation, and contributed to the stability of the foot when riding.
Similar finds are known in the Ferghana Valley and adjacent regions, including East Turkestan. They reflect the culture of the population of Davan– an ancient state mentioned in Chinese sources.
The shape of the boots demonstrates the synthesis of sedentary and nomadic traditions typical of Central Asia in the ancient period, where mobility and craftsmanship played a key role in everyday life.