(FILM.) Group of costumes from the film Amistad. 6 loincloths and short pants, various fabrics and colors, all in various states of manufactured wear and soiling. Np, circa 1996
The 1997 Steven Spielberg film Amistad told the story of the famous 1839 slave ship revolt, and the legal drama which followed. It is probably the most widely seen Hollywood depiction of the Middle Passage. The film won numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Costume Design. These 6 garments were worn by actors in the film's harrowing early sections depicting the passage of the captive Africans aboard the Amistad, and their successful revolt. On closer inspection, there is no way these could pass for actual rags from the 1830s, and we don't have a protocol of authenticating imitation rags from the 1990s. However, these are accompanied by a 2011 certificate of authenticity from the firm Hollywood Movie Costumes, attesting that they were "purchased from one of the largest costumers in Hollywood. We were advised it was worn in the movie Amistad." with--a press packet from the film: 6 press photos, a double-sized banner, 12 Spanish-language lobby cards, 2 grainy stills from the film depicting similar costumes to those offered here, and more.
