The Roman Shoe Project: Baby Steps with BULLAE

With all the fascinating information out there about ancient Roman leather shoes, I knew that I would have plenty of lessons to share with my students. But, we needed to start small so the kids could learn how to work with leather and its traditional tools.

Our first project was making our own Roman bullae. These ceremonial necklaces were given to children at age 9. The archaeological record gives us numerous ones made of gold and goldplate, but a couple of Roman authors refer to ones made of leather. You can see our notes on these (and some pictures in this slide deck). Female students were happy to learn of the existence of the lunula, given to girls with the same purpose in mind.

My first step was to create a pattern for both shapes so that students could choose either one (you can see that pattern here). Although ancient children would not have had a choice, ancient children would not have been making their own leather bulla either so I figured why not? I had several students choose the opposite shape because they simply liked the way the shape looked. They also needed practice with tracing a pattern since most students had no sewing experience. For this project, we used thin-tempered (pliable) chrome-tanned scrap leather that is available from craft stores for very cheap (this bag is only $10).

From the get-go, I knew that I would not be teaching my students about leather-working knives because they are a bit too sharp for my liking. I don't normally shy away from sharp tools (my students are learning how to use awls, for example), but knives seemed a step too far. Thus, we've been practicing with scissors. And if you're using scissors in your classes, I hope you're training your students how to walk safely and slowly when retrieving these for use. Before we began this unit on leatherworking, I had each of my students take notes on the different tools and how to use them safely and then commit on paper with a safety pledge. Advice from someone who uses tools often in class - never skimp on safety.

After tracing the patterns onto leather, the students got to work on cutting them out. The next step was to learn how to use leather punches and awls to make holes where the bullae and lunulae would be sewn up around the edges. They folded the pattern over so that their holes would be in the same spots on both sides of the leather. Did they do this properly? Not in all cases, but this was part of the reason why I wanted them to practice on a smaller project first...before we use expensive leather for our shoes.

Next, the students had to sew their leather necklaces shut. Did students need lots of help threading needles and using thread? Of course. Did that stop me from doing this project? Nope. Some projects test my patience and that of my students, but is that a deciding factor? Nope. Students (and teachers) need to practice patience and resilience.

Last, the students chose special objects to put in their necklace pouches. One student chose a silver dollar his dad had given him for good luck. Another chose a crystal he had been keeping on his desk at home. I wish we had more evidence about what the Romans put in theirs.

All in all, this project was a good one to introduce the students to simple leather working tools and techniques. It also yielded wearable items! I see my students wearing them all the time as if they are super proud of them. As they should be.

Note to teachers looking to replicate this project, but without the tools or actual leather: former Latin teacher Ginny Lindzey has a great lesson on it posted on her Website in which she uses foil to recreate the bullae.