Feet & Footwear in Indian Culture

Author: Jutta Jain NeubauerPublisher: MapinYear: 2000Language: EnglishPages: 172ISBN/UPC (if available): 1890206202 DescriptionThis art book lavishly illustrates the richness and variety of ancient and traditional footwear.Innumerable references to the foot and to foot worship in Indian culture convey the impression that the foot is regarded as an important if not the most important part of the human body. The foot is usually the part of the body that is venerated; the feet of the elders are worshipped by the younger generations; the feet of the religious teachers and holy men by their followers; the feet of idols by their devotees; the feet f innocent persons by wrongdoers seeking forgiveness. There is also the romantic attachment towards the beloved's foot. It was in this context that Indian miniature painting, drama and poetry referred to men treasuring the touch of the foot of their beloved. Until half a century ago, India was described as a barefoot country, since the ascetic