On View
Taking the Stage Gallery
Exhibition
Taking the Stage
Designed by
Norris, Patricia, American, 1931 - 2015
Worn by
Ejiofor, Chiwetel, British, born 1977
Created by
Western Costume Company, American, founded 1912
Subject of
Northup, Solomon, American, 1808 - 1875
Date
2013
Medium
synthetic fiber, wood and plastic buttons
Dimensions
H x W x D (On form): 51 × 16 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (129.5 × 41.9 × 26.7 cm)
Description
This pair of gray-blue fall-front trousers was worn by Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup in the film 12 Years a Slave (2013). The pants are made from a heavy weight synthetic or synthetic and cotton blend plain woven fabric that is light blue in color, but has been heavily distressed to appear a dull light gray. The trousers close at the front waist with three (3) round light brown wooden buttons. The front flap closes with six (6) of the same buttons, leaving only the topmost center waist button visible when closed. There are two (2) welted pockets, one at each front side waist, that are not visible when the front flap is closed. The weft is cut in several places and left to unravel over the loose warp threads. The hems of the full-length pants are also left raw and unraveling.
The interior back waist band and the pockets are lined in gray synthetic fabric. The rest of the pants are not lined. Six (6) gray plastic buttons are sewn in the interior waistband for fastening suspenders, two (2) at the proper left front, two (2) at the proper right front, and two (2) at the center back. A white barcode with black printed text is adhered to the waist band lining at the interior proper left back that reds "WESTERN COSTUME" above the barcode and "40877607" below. A white paper tag with text handwritten in black ink reading "Solomon" is attached to the back waistband lining below the barcode with a length of bent metal wire that is pierced through the lining.
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
trousers
Topic
Actors
Clothing and dress
Costume
Costume design
Design
Film
Men
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Western Costume Company
Object number
2015.158.2.5
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55c605003-9404-4864-83a1-033c37c35bba

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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