Amistad
Amistad (1997) is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the heroic, true story of the Mende people who were kidnapped in West Africa and illegally sold into slavery in 1839. After being transported across the Atlantic Ocean and resold in Cuba, the captured Mende people, under the leadership of Joseph Cinqué, rebelled and took control of their captors' ship, a Spanish vessel named La Amistad. After several days at sea, the vessel was intercepted by a U.S. customs ship and the Mende and surviving Spanish crew were taken to port in New Haven, Connecticut. Abolitionists formed the Amistad Committee and collected money to mount a judicial defense for the Mende people. A court case ensued and was ultimately resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1841, a ruling that restored the Mende people's freedom.
Carter was nominated for an Academy Award for her costumes in Amistad. This was her second nomination.
Film details
Amistad, 1997
American flag turban
Materials
Linen, cotton, burlap
Credit
Ruth Carter Costume Archive
Notes
In the film script, one of the captured African men fashions an American flag into a turban. Carter explains, "To him it was protection from the elements, he did not know what it symbolized or what it was. It had no relevance to him as others saw it and so it carried a powerful image among the black, white, and gray tones of the film." This headpiece was recreated specifically for this exhibition, under Ruth E. Carter's direction, by SCAD student Eileen C. Kohli (B.F.A. production design).
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Ruth E. Carter's mood board for the captured Africans.
Film details
Amistad, 1997
Character Cinque played by Djimon Hounsou
Materials
cotton, burlap
Credit
Ruth Carter Costume Archive
Notes
Joseph Cinqué, leader of the Mende rebellion on La Amistad, often appears dressed in this golden yellow cotton shirt. The vibrant color places focus on Cinqué, the hero character, and separates him from the somber tones used in most other costumes in the film.
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Part of a series of murals, completed in 1938, by Hale Woodruff commemorating the Amistad uprising.
Film details
Amistad, 1997
Captured African
Materials
Burlap and Cotton
Credit
Ruth Carter Costume Archive
Notes
This ensemble was recreated by recent SCAD alumni Kahmani Zeon (B.F.A. Fashion Design, 2020) and Madi Smith (B.F.A. Fashion Design, 2019) under Carter's direction.
Film details
Amistad, 1997
Character Cinque played by Djimon Hounsou
Materials
Cotton, silk, and wool
Credit
Courtesy of Palace Costume & Prop Co. and Ruth Carter Costume Archive
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Mood board by Ruth E. Carter
Film details
Amistad, 1997
Character John Quincy Adams played by Anthony Hopkins
Materials
Wool, cotton, and silk
Credit
Courtesy of Palace Costume & Prop Co. and Ruth Carter Costume Archive
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Sketch by Carter in collaboration with artist Gina Flanagan. The sketch is signed by Anthony Hopkins
Film details
Amistad, 1997
Character Martin Van Buren played by Nigel Hawthorne
Materials
Wool, cotton, and cotton/synthetic blend
Credit
Courtesy of Palace Costume & Prop Co. and Ruth Carter Costume Archive
Notes
In the 1830s men's fashion favored a strong silhouette. Jackets were cut-in at the waist with flared skirts and the shoulders were emphasized . Neckwear was elababorate; in place of a tie men used either a stock, which is a stiffened band of fabric, or a cravat which is a soft square of fabric.The character of President Martin Van Buren in Amistad represents a more conservative, older generation. Carter's mood board for Martin Van Buren shows a variety of visual influences.
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Carter’s mood board for Martin Van Buren
Film details
Amistad, 1997
Character Queen Isabella II played by Anna Paquin
Materials
Silk and cotton
Credit
Courtesy of Palace Costume & Prop Co. and Ruth Carter Costume Archive
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Portrait of Isabel II of Spain by Carlos Luis de Ribera y Fieve, circa 1835
Film details
Amistad, 1997
Character Queen Isabella II played by Anna Paquin
Materials
Silk velvet and cotton
Credit
Courtesy of Palace Costume & Prop Co. and Ruth Carter Costume Archive
