T’Challa, the New King and T’chaka

In the film, black panther, many elements were inspired by and brought directly from a variety of African communities. From design, to architecture, the film displays a plethora of details showcasing the richness and diversity behind Africa. What is really quite unique is that the film chooses to display all these elements within one area in Africa. A hidden gem, separated from the outside, these elements reside in Wakanda.

Although Wakanda does not truly exist geographically, a lot of its shown culture does.

The kente cloth used throughout the film in multiple attires dates back to the Akan people of South Ghana. Kente is a prestigious cloth worn by people of high social and economic status. It is worn mostly to occasions and celebrations. Each color in the pattern is carefully chosen and meaningful. For instance black meaning maturity.

T’Challa, the new king and T’chaka, his late father are both seen in kente cloth in multiple scenes. This representation visually and culturally “works” because it is used in similar and respectable context to its origins. T’Challa is seen wearing it in his power suit and when he visits his father. He is also seen wearing it when he hosts a meeting with the tribe elders of Wakanda. T’Chaka is seen wearing kente when he greets his son on two separate occasions.

Another element that was visually and culturally significant are the rings worn on the necks. The rings are a tradition of the Ndebele people of South Africa. It seems to be a more general cultural tradition in the film. Where on the contrary in reality, the rings are worn in a specific manner.

The rings are a representation of the marriage status between a man and his wife. Only married women are to wear the rings around their necks. This is in reference to the husbands ability to provide stability and safety for his family. The more wealth and prosperity the man has, the more rings to be added onto the necks of his wife. The film does not clearly display this concept. Although one may argue that many elements in the film are altered with a bit to compliment the advancements of Wakanda, this specific element takes its roots completely out of context. Therefore, unlike the film’s usage of other Ndebele customs, the rings did not deliver a proper translation as to how they’re worn and what they represent

Did you like this example?

583

31