Cuban Rumba Dress

Cuban Rumba Dress

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Description
This is a Bata Cubana, or Cuban Rumba dress, donated to the Smithsonian by Celia Cruz, the great Cuban salsa singer in 1997. An adaptation of the traditional Cuban rumba dress, it was made in the United States by Cuban-born designer José Arteaga. The Bata Cubana has its roots in the 19th century, with origins as diverse as the multicultural makeup of the people of Cuba. It brings together influences from Spanish, French, and African culture and dress, combining theater, fiesta, and the spectacle of carnival with slave and gypsy dress. The Bata Cubana is a garment worn for performance on stage or cabaret. Celia Cruz's Bata Cubana is made of orange polyester satin, trimmed with white nylon eyelet along ruffle-edges and eyelet beading along seams with inserted orange ribbon. The Bata Cubana was Celia's preferred performance costume.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
dress
date made
1973 - 1987
Associated Name
Cruz, Celia
designer
Arteaga, Enrique
Place Made
United States
Physical Description
red (overall color)
polyester (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 55 in x 50 in x 93 in; 139.7 cm x 127 cm x 236.22 cm
ID Number
1997.0291.01
accession number
1997.0291
Credit Line
Gift of Celia Cruz
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Entertainment
Music & Musical Instruments
Popular Entertainment
Cultures & Communities
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

Your information on Cuban culture is great.

Stacey

Thu, 2013-07-18 14:53

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