Not all objects in this collection hail from Curaçao. These robust slippers come from Nigeria. Our participant Mirurgia explains why the slippers have a strong connection with our island.

“These are the type of slippers that my ancestors would wear. The history of these slippers and the amount of steps they took intrigues me. They are made of wood and hail probably from the late 19th century. The owner of these slippers was Joceline Clemencia, a writer, scientist and activist who fought for the recognition of Papiamentu as one of our official languages. She had a vast collection of objects including many from sub-Saharan African countries.”

“Joceline meant a lot to me and was my beloved Spanish teacher and class mentor. After she died her family organized an open house for everyone who wanted to buy her objects. I asked her daughter if I could go one day before the event so I could calmly choose and cherry-pick.”