Slow Fade to Black: Katherine Dunham

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Black and white inkjet print (a) of Katherine Dunham and two unidentified individuals in a green frame (b). The photograph (a) is intentionally out of focus. The figure of Katherine Dunham is onstage performing in "Cabin in the Sky" with two other performers in costume. Dunham is wearing a flowing skirt and head piece. Dunham is in the middle of a pose with one leg raised and her arms joined in a circle in front of her body. She is looking off camera with her profile visible. The original image shows the arm bands, necklaces, strapless top, and bare feet that are part of Dunham's costume. The accessories and head piece have detailed embellishments. The two male perfomers are playing the drums, and are wearing arm bands and sandals. The photograph is inset in the frame (b). The back borders of the frame are raised and have paper tape around the edges.

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