Created by
Orsato, Rino, Italian
Worn by
Richard, Little, American, 1932 - 2020
Subject of
Clix
Date
1970s
Medium
leather, metal, wood, rubber, thread, and ink
Dimensions
H x W x D (a. left): 11 1/8 × 3 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (28.3 × 8.9 × 26.7 cm)
H x W x D (b. right): 11 1/8 × 3 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (28.3 × 8.9 × 26.7 cm)
Description
Platform boots worn by Little Richard.
The boots are made of a tan leather. They are square-toed and have a decorative silver-colored front platform with small diamond-shaped cutouts and small circle-shaped cutouts. There is a black background behind the cutouts. Each boot has a large stacked wooden heel with black rubber on the bottom. There are some small circle cutouts along the bottom edge of the soles. There is a zip-up closure that goes from the top of the boot to the arch of the foot on the inner side of each boot. The zipper reads [CLIX] on the pull. The inside of the boots are marked “Rino’s / Hand Made” in faded black ink. The insides of the boots are an off-white leather with a darker sole. The soles have text that cannot be made out. Both boots have scuff marks in many places, but especially near the toes. The bottoms of the boots show some wear and tear.
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
boots
Topic
Clothing and dress
Composers (Musicians)
Costume
Gospel (Music)
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Musicians
Rhythm and blues (Music)
Rock and roll (Music)
Singers (Musicians)
Soul (Music)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2020.53.3ab
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b5df658e-67f7-492d-8d37-d97a300abf00

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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