Ukraine Culture 102 in Photos: Ukrainian Dress, Ukrainian Eggs

By Kerry Kubilius, About.com Guide

Bast shoes, one of the oldest types of footwear, have been made and worn for centuries in Ukraine, Russia, and Eastern Europe. They are traditionally made of birch bark, an easily acquired and easily woven material that is used for many other Eastern European folk crafts. Bast shoes can be purchased today as souvenirs at markets, but are not typically worn - they are uncomfortable and impractical.