Pair of slippers

Title
Pair of slippers
Year/Period
Mid 20th century
Region
Singapore
Object Type
Dimension
Object size: Please refer to individual measurement
Accession No.
1997-04717
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng

Kasut manek (beaded slippers) were worn by Peranakan women in Penang, Malacca, Singapore, Indonesia, and southern Thailand and Myanmar. It is generally believed that kasut manek developed in the 1920s to replace an embroidered version. Kasut manek were purchased or sewn by the bride’s family for use during the wedding. Decorative slipper faces were sewn with beads before being sent to Chinese shoemakers to be made into slippers. Although the practice of sewing kasut manek is not as widespread in the Peranakan community as before, it is still being practised and is undergoing a revival amongst Singaporeans today.