Anasazi Fibrous Sandal Terminology

ABSTRACTFibrous sandals dating from about A.D. 200 to 1300 have been found in numerous Anasazi sites of northeastern Arizona. The variety of sandal features, including complex structures, have considerable value for answering cultural questions. However, literature studies, laboratory analyses of sandals, and the requirements of museum computer registration and cataloging indicate that sandal terminology needs to be standardized before these data can be used to address research questions. This paper defines and illustrates sandal characteristics that change over time and space, including fabric construction and density, toe and heel silhouettes, yarn structures, and tie systems. Terms are based on precedence of use and clarity of definition, and are selected from approximately 450 sandals from the literature and 117 examined in the laboratory.