Yellow Clogs

A pair of bright yellow wooden clogs with floral patterns on the sides on a wooden surface.
Clog figurines from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Netherlands
Year: ca. 1890s
Materials: Wood and paint 

These miniature clogs were an item purchased by the Harris Family on one of their trips to the Netherlands. Clogs are a type of shoe made of wood and have been worn by various cultures for centuries. Many traditional clogs would be made partly of wood and include fabric and leather elements. The oldest clogs in Europe come from the Netherlands dating to the 13th century. The Dutch had various shaped clogs depending on employment, and clogs made for leisurewear. Wooden clogs were great for many Dutch citizens as they protected the feet from the wet climate.

Clogs begin to become a symbol of the Netherlands, but by the Victorian Era are not worn as often, though there was a brief resurgence in clogs during the two World Wars. Instead, the clog becomes a symbol of the Netherlands. Since the Victorian Era it has been common to buy clogs or clog figurines, which is what the Harris’ did on one of their trips to the Netherlands.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.