Who was Celia Cruz?

Description (Brief)

These custom-made, gold vinyl platform shoes made by Miguel Nieto, were worn by Afro-Cuban vocalist Celia Cruz, known internationally as the "Queen of Salsa." Cruz's shoes, costumes, and her singing have always had a strong connection. Born one of 14 children to a poor family from Havana, Cuba, Cruz earned her first pair of shoes by singing to a tourist who bought them for her. She helped usher in the popularity of salsa music in the 1970’s. In 1997, at a ceremony honoring her 50-year musical career, Cruz donated her stage costume--shoes and all--to the Smithsonian.

Data Source

National Museum of American History

wearer

Cruz, Celia

Date made

ca 1992

Credit Line

Gift of Celia Cruz

Physical Description

vinyl; leather; rubber (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 17 cm x 9 cm x 22 cm; 6 11/16 in x 3 9/16 in x 8 11/16 in

overall: 6 5/8 in x 3 1/4 in x 9 in; 16.8275 cm x 8.255 cm x 22.86 cm

Object Name

shoes, pair of

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

Data Source

National Museum of American History

Associated Name

Cruz, Celia

designer

Arteaga, Enrique

date made

1973 - 1987

Credit Line

Gift of Celia Cruz

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

Object Name

dress

Description

Red, gold, and blue sequin dress designed with horizontal, varied stripes and large open sleeves.

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

José Enrique Arteaga, Cuban American

Worn by

Celia Cruz, Cuban American, 1925 - 2003

Date

1970s

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Celia Cruz Knight Estate

Medium

sequin

Dimensions

L x W: 53 1/4 x 48 1/2 in. (135.3 x 123.2 cm)

Waist: 20 in. (50.8 cm)

Type

dresses