Sale 2471 - Printed & Manuscript African Americana, March 29, 2018

207 207 c   (FILM.) Group of costumes from the film Amistad. 6 loincloths and short pants, various fabrics and colors, all in various states of manufactured wear and soiling. Np, circa 1996 [600/900] The 1997 Steven Spielberg film Amistad told the story of the famous 1839 slave ship revolt, and the legal drama which followed. It is probably the most widely seen Hollywood depiction of the Middle Passage.The film won numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Costume Design.These 6 garments were worn by actors in the film’s harrowing early sections depicting the passage of the captive Africans aboard the Amistad, and their successful revolt. On closer inspection, there is no way these could pass for actual rags from the 1830s, and we don’t have a protocol of authenticating imitation rags from the 1990s. However, these are accompanied by a 2011 certificate of authenticity from the firm Hollywood Movie Costumes, attesting that they were “purchased from one of the largest costumers in Hollywood.We were advised it was worn in the movieAmistad.” with —a press packet from the film: 6 press photos, a double-sized banner, 12 Spanish-language lobby cards, 2 grainy stills from the film depicting similar costumes to those offered here, and more. 208 c   (FRATERNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS.) Manuscript record book of the Gay Caballeros, a Cincinnati social club. 85 manuscript pages. Folio, 13 1 / 2 x 8 inches, contemporary 1 / 2 calf, moderate staining; minimal wear to contents. Cincinnati, OH, December 1963 to October 1970 [600/900] The Gay Caballeros were a social club incorporated in Cincinnati in 1955. They were not an explicitly African-American club, but a census check suggests that most or all of their member were, and they made a life membership pledge to the NAACP in 1967. Probably in response to the ever-changing meaning of the word “gay,” they shortened their name to “Caballeros Inc.” in 1975, and formally disbanded in 1992. These minutes describe party boat rentals on the Ohio River, picnics, approval of new members, and a “Hello Dolly” theatrical outing for the wives (17 April 1965). Inspired by the NAACP, the officers voted on 16 January 1965 to “boycott all products manufactured in the state of Mississippi who do not hire Negroes.”