Designed by
Norris, Patricia, American, 1931 - 2015
Worn by
Nyong'o, Lupita Amondi, Mexican Kenyan, born 1983
Created by
Western Costume Company, American, founded 1912
Subject of
Northup, Solomon, American, 1808 - 1875
Date
2013
Medium
leather, elastic, thread
Dimensions
H x W x D (left): 1 7/8 × 3 5/16 × 9 5/16 in. (4.8 × 8.4 × 23.7 cm)
H x W x D (right): 1 7/8 × 3 3/8 × 9 7/16 in. (4.8 × 8.6 × 24 cm)
Description
Lupita Nyong'o wears these shoes as the character Patsey in the film 12 Years a Slave (2013). The shoes are a pair of modified ballet flat slippers with the cord ties removed from the foot openings of the uppers. An elastic cord is still in place around the openings. The slipper uppers and soles are made from leather that has been heavily distressed for filming purposes. A long length of distressed leather cord is used to tie the slippers to the feet, with slits cut at either side of the vamp of each slipper so that the cord extends across the throat of the shoe. The number "2" is stamped in black ink on the proper left interior side of both shoes, and is handwritten in black ink on the insole of the proper left shoe (a). No other evidence of manufacturer information is apparent, likely due to the heavy distressing.
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
shoes (footwear)
Topic
Actors
Clothing and dress
Costume
Costume design
Design
Film
Hollywood (Film)
Slavery
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Western Costume Company
Object number
2015.158.1.2ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5c5c4b7a0-c883-49f6-83ad-c491d2538f37

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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