Black Panther was just too good to want to pick it apart and create “think pieces” or draft symbolic blog posts and mumbo jumbo on the film. This film gave the culture so much joy, you just want to sit and savor it, without giving yourself a headache about whether Killmonger was a Hotep or if Wakanda and Zamunda are neighboring countries (laughs). At this point I simply want to appreciate the film’s beauty, its storyline, and its use of varying/real-life African culture portrayed throughout the film. Thanks to Twitter user, Waris we got just that! In case you missed it, Waris also known as @diasporicblues gave us a Twitter lesson in a thread that summarized the African tribes and cultures featured in the ground-breaking Marvel Comics movie. We’ve seen the images before, but because of this thread, we have a new-found appreciation for the fashion, languages and adornments seen in the film.
Check out some of Waris’ tweets, and follow Waris on Twitter for more info on Africa and its culture.
Mursi and Surma Lip Plates. Lip plates or disks are a form of ceremonial body modification. While many cultures use them they’re best known by the Surma and Mursi tribes in Ethiopia. #BlackPanther #Wakanda pic.twitter.com/gkrfA3AC70
— Waris (@diasporicblues) February 17, 2018
Zulu headdress. Queen Ramonda wears a distinct headdress. It’s reminiscent of the reed Zulu flared hats or “Isicholos.” The Zulu headdresses are traditionally worn by married women for ceremonial celebrations. pic.twitter.com/5YSIqKjkMg
— Waris (@diasporicblues) February 17, 2018
Many of the costumes have unique and futuristic ornamentation and details. These were made by emulating styles of the Masai people. The Maasai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. #BlackPanther #Wakanda pic.twitter.com/SjTE7kMGYL
— Waris (@diasporicblues) February 17, 2018
Igbo Mask. In one scene Erik Killmonger wears a mask. The masks, known as Mgbedike, are distinguished by the large size and bold masculine features. They are used in Igbo rituals and are designed to contrast the female dancers with their more feminine beauty. #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/ZMkcpUCSsz
— Waris (@diasporicblues) February 17, 2018
Basotho Blanket. In several scenes, W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) and others are shown wearing Basotho blankets around their necks. Though the blankets are originally from the Lesotho people the designs are synonymous with the Sesotho people. #BlackPanther #Wakanda pic.twitter.com/XU1RlspXTt
— Waris (@diasporicblues) February 17, 2018
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