Several centuries old, the slipper is particularly appreciated in the East. Originally from Arab countries, they come in different shapes and colors. These are traditional shoes that can be worn at home or outdoors. In addition, they have a manufacturing process of their own. At the end of this article, the babouche will no longer hold any secrets for you.
ORIGIN OF THE BABOUCHE
Originally from Arab countries as said before, the babouche is a traditional shoe. The babouche is of Persian origin, "papusch" the first part of the word "Pa" means "foot" and the second part of the word "pusch" means "to cover", "to wrap" and "to carry". In the Arabic language, men's slippers are nicknamed "Balga" while for women it is "Charbil". For lexicographers and orientalists the mutation from P to B is explained by a missing letter. Indeed in the Arabic language there is no P and they have replaced it with B. In conclusion, the slipper covers the foot.
Present since the 3rd century, it was the Bedouins who introduced the world to slippers. Originally, the slippers were rounded and yellow or made of natural leather, it did not have a heel. The traditional shape made from calfskin, goatskin or lambskin has evolved through the multiplicity of colors.
EVOLUTION OF THE BABOUCHE
Over time, the Berbers have revolutionized the concept by introducing slippers with more geometric shapes, with different colors such as white, gray (etc.) but also decorated.
Today, the trend is at the level of fantasy and color for these shoes that have become real fashion accessories: leather sometimes gives way to fabrics and decorative patterns are more creative, sewn or embroidered.
Despite the passage of time, Tunisian craftsmen are among the most professional in this field, especially for manufacturing and creation. Today, there are several categories of slippers, here are some examples:
- Round slippers;
- Heeled slippers;
- Berber slippers;
- Leather or suede slippers
- Pointed-toe slippers.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
A slipper is generally made in four steps:
1) The cutting of the soles: the craftsmen here, cut the goat or calf leather soles by delimiting the contours of the soles.
2) The preparation of the upper part of the slipper: in this second step after having lined the leather, the craftsmen will cut the two upper parts of the shoe.
3) Decoration and trim: after cutting this upper part will be embroidered by embroiderers for the decoration and trim of the slipper.
4) Assembly: the last step in the process is to assemble the parts of the product. That is to say the sole, the upper part and the embroidered ribs of the shoe
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BABOUCHE
To maintain your slippers, here are two steps:
- The first step is to remove dust, visible traces such as earth or mud. Take a soft brush and gently rub the leather, accentuating the edges of the sole and the folds.
If they are wet, don't panic, let them dry at room temperature with a shoe tree, but if you don't have one, newspaper will do the trick. Do not put them under too high a heat source, you risk aging the leather precipitously.
- The second step is to nourish the leather, with a soft cloth and not microfiber, apply wax to your slippers by making small circular movements. Always emphasizing on the folds and seams, let dry.
And now your slippers are perfectly maintained!
For better preservation of your shoes: avoid exposing your shoes too long to sunlight and avoid water (it is the enemy of leather) . And use the leather cream once or twice a year or when the leather is dry.
This is where our article, dedicated to slippers, ends, we'll see you soon for another article!