Marvel's Black Panther African Influence

You realize just how much representation matters after seeing this teaser trailer.

Marvel’s Black Panther isn’t making its way to theaters until February ’18, BUT that can’t stop us from taking a closer look behind the movies looks.

​The films costume designer Ruth Carter who according to Essence, has outfitted some of the culture’s most iconic films from "Malcolm X" and "BAPS" to "Five Heartbeats" and "School Daze", is now taking on Afro-futurism fashions in Black Panther.

“I love being a costume designer because I love telling the stories of people,” she told ESSENCE. “And that’s what costume designers are; they are storytellers.”

The Oscar and Emmy-nominated designer was sure to take to Twitter addressing her inspiration behind iconic looks inspired from various tribes in Africa. 

​The Maasi People of Kenya and Tanzania

Source: Twitter

The red printed garments and gold embellishments worn by the royal warrior women of Black Panther's Wakanda, undoubtedly resembles Africa's  Maasi Tribe. 

The People of Mursi and Surma (Suri)

Source: /Comic Boo

​The Mursi and Surma (Suri) people are some of the tribes in Africa that practice lip stretching and Carter was sure capture its unique essence with one of the leaders in the film who sported an unforgettable emerald Suri lip disc and matching emerald suit.

Basotho People ​of Lesotho in South Africa

Source: Tumblr

The undeniable influence from the Basotho people and their heritage blankets are prominent in the film. These thick wool blankets worn as cloaks/shawls offer a deep cultural significance and history through the various symbols and bold combinations used.

Dogon Tribe of Mali 

Source: Tripfreakz.com/Slash Film

The ceremonial mask of Mali can symbolize and represent different tribes and meanings depending on the color and design. 

The Tuareg People 

Source: trip down memory lane - blogger/ Marvel Entertainment/YouTube

This head wrap worn by this group of Islamic African people is said to have has several meanings. It is, first of all, a symbol of male identity and is also thought to protect the wearer from evil spirits.

Carter is not shying away from bringing life to an area painted to look so dim. 

If that's not enough, some fans pointed out that the film's poster has a undeniable resemblance to the iconic 1967 photo of Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Oakland CA-based Black Panther Party. 

Source: Daily Mail

From the representation in the clothes, the images, down to the representation in front of the camera

Source: Me.me

and behind the camera

Source: Cocoa Butter

Source: Cocoa Butter

There is a lot of direct and unapologetic African influence to be found and Carter and the rest of the team sees to it that they are properly represented in the film.