It’s quite obvious that the Marvel Comics movie Black Panther seems to be directly inspired by African art, American black culture and history. Looking at some the photos online from the film are strikingly close to some historical photos of the black panther party and of African traditions an culture. The costume designer, Ruth E. Carter recently spoke with ELLE magazine and said her designs were directly inspired by the continent of Africa. “I’m looking at the whole continent and a wide range of people, like the [Maasai] and the Suri. It all becomes a part of the framework of Wakanda,” she said. “Most people who read the comic books know Wakanda is a mountainous area; it’s a secret place that’s not necessarily trading and interacting with the rest of the world. They’re a little bit more advanced in technology than other civilizations. We are creating that world, and trying to create a culture and pride that feels authentic to the specific location.” 

via GIPHY

In her interview with ELLE Carter speaks on the crucial importance of getting these costume designs right. “That authenticity is very important to me. With Wakanda, I’m sort of piecing together a puzzle. It’s the puzzle that is our history,” she told the publication. “Black history didn’t start with slavery or end with the civil rights movement. I’m trying to put together that puzzle while considering everything that relates to us, including present stuff like the Black Lives Matter campaign.”

And the clear Suri influence, also cited, here. pic.twitter.com/QF0MvgIOrH

— Pete Souza Petty (@KendraJames_) June 10, 2017

I have to admit I am eager to see this film. This film is getting everything so right so far!

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