In cartoons and illustrations in books, Russian heroes were often depicted wearing boots called morocco boots. They looked very impressive with the outfits of those times, in perfect harmony with fur hats and velvet outerwear.
Today many people have a very vague idea of what it is. But morocco boots with their interesting history deserve that we talk about them in more detail.
What is morocco
Saffiano is the name given to goat or sheep leather that is particularly soft and thin.. In addition, this leather must be treated in a special way.
History of morocco
Ancient boots came to Rus' from Marrakesh. These shoes denoted belonging to the richest class.
REFERENCE. The material is also called marroquin. Goat skins prepared in a certain way are very suitable for sewing shoe uppers.
From Africa, this type of leather dressing spread throughout Europe. The masters passed on their skills to subsequent generations. In addition, new processing methods were invented, making products more diverse.
In the XVI-XVIII centuries. Leather from the hot continent of the Moroccans was delivered to Europe by sea. But it was too expensive. Therefore, Europeans began to process calf and sheep skins, adopting experience from Africans.
Morocco was also produced in Rus'. Its price was fabulous. Only the wives of very rich people wore shoes made from it.
Until the 17th century it was sewn in small workshops. But later tanneries appeared. The material turned out to be in such demand that production grew into industrial production.
Dressing and processing
Saffiano leather is thin and soft, vaguely reminiscent of suede in quality. In the 18th century in Astrakhan and Kazan it was produced with an embossed pattern.
The process of obtaining this material included the following steps.
- Processing and tanning skins in solutions from certain plants.
- Periodically increasing the strength of the water solution with tannins.
- Thorough rinsing with water.
- Straightening under pressure.
- Ironing.
- Drying.
- Decoration.
- Finally, the leather was given additional shine with special compounds.
- Next came painting in bright colors. Red was considered the favorite. Other shades were also used: yellow, turquoise, white, green, blue, red.
Morocco boots
Shoes were made from the resulting leather, most often boots, the toes of which were bent upward.
The boots were embroidered with silver and gold. They were decorated with stones and pearls, embroidery and beads.
These leather shoes were quite expensive. The price was explained not only by the appearance, but also by the quality of the product. The wear resistance of morocco is so great that it has always been highly valued by both manufacturers and buyers.
They were worn by noble classes: kings, boyars or, for example, successful and naturally talented entrepreneurs - merchants. Worn on ceremonial occasions.
Nowadays, sheep and calf skins are still used.And these days it is the most resistant to moisture and damage material. In addition, such products are comfortable for everyday wear.
No wonder the best couturiers create their masterpieces from it. Brands such as Prada, Michael Kors, Gucci and others have in their arsenal products made from marroquin or morocco, as it was called in Rus'.
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