Priestess sandals for the lighting of the Olympic Flame - Paris 2024
- Inventory number
- 2025.2.1.2
- Type
- chaussures (paire), Sandales de pretresse
- Period
- Paris 2024
- Sport
- Jeux olympiques d'été 2024
- Creator / Author
- Ancient Greek Sandals - Grèce
- Origin
- MNS - 2025.2 - donation - Comité olympique hellénique - 19 mars 2025
- Usage
- Cérémonie
- Materials
- cuir
- Dimensions
- 36cm-9cm
Physical description
These sandals belong to the Ancient Greek Sandals brand. They are beige in color and are reminiscent of the type of sandals that could be worn in ancient times. Nevertheless, this pair is modernized, the sole is quite thick and therefore seems to offer comfort. It also has an interesting detail: a golden buckle in the shape of a wing. This is reminiscent of the flying sandals made for Hermes, messenger of the gods in Greek mythology. These sandals are new, they are indeed part of the priestess' outfit of April 16, 2024, however this pair was not worn there.
Notes
It is this type of sandal that the priestesses wear during the lighting ceremony of the Olympic flame in Olympia, in the ruins of the Temple of Hera. This ceremony is a very symbolic event. It is almost the first kick-off of the Olympic Games, in this case Paris 2024 to be precise. It has been rooted in the tradition of the Olympic Games since 1936. The flame not only embodies the positive values historically linked to the symbolism of fire, such as peace and friendship, but also serves as a link between the Games of antiquity and the modern Games.
Photo credits
© @ Collection MNS