What better gift for this object-based learning devotee?

This was one of my favorite holiday gifts. A shoe. I have no idea how old it is, no idea where it came from, who owned it or what it’s story is.

If I was using this object in my classroom I would ask my students to investigate it using one of my favorite tools for artifact analysis developed by the National Archives.

• Describe the material from which it was made: bone, pottery, metal, wood, stone, leather, glass, paper, cardboard, cotton, wood, plastic, other material.
• Describe how it looks and feels: shape, color, texture, size, weight, movable parts, anything printed, stamped or written on it.
• What might it have been used for?
• Who might have used it?
• Where might it have been used?
• When might it have been used?
• What does it tell us about technology of the time in which it was made and used?
• What does it tell us about the life and times of the people who made it and used it?
• Can you name a similar item today?

I would love to know the story behind this object. But, since I will probably never know, I think I will just make one up!