Uma das poucas coisas que comprei na Madeira foi um par de botas de vilão, ou botas chãs. Com mais ou menos alterações (as minhas são de pele mas têm a sola numa borracha rija e muito fina a imitar couro), este modelo de bota é ali produzido e usado há pelo menos duzentos anos. Em 1821, William Combe descrevia assim o trajar dos madeirenses: they wear boots made of goat-skins, which are light and durable, and being white, have a pretty appearence (A History of Madeira). Se forem de facto tão duradoiras como são confortáveis vão fazer-me muita companhia nos próximos tempos.
One of the few things I bought in Funchal was a pair of traditional madeiran boots. This type of boot has been in use in Madeira for at least two centuries and subject to very little change (mine have thin rubber soles instead of the traditional leather ones). In 1821, William Combe mentioned them when describing the usual dress of the native inhabitants: they wear boots made of goat-skins, which are light and durable, and being white, have a pretty appearence (A History of Madeira). If they are in fact durable as they are pretty and comfortable I am sure I will be wearing them a lot.
Imagem de William Combe, A History of Madeira, 1821.
