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Shoes, worn by Celia Cruz

National Museum of American History
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Object Details

wearer
Cruz, Celia
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.
Credit Line
Gift of Celia Cruz
ca 1992
ID Number
1997.0291.02
accession number
1997.0291
catalog number
1997.0291.02
Object Name
shoes, pair of
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
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Entertainment
Exhibition
Entertainment Nation
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History
Record ID
nmah_834815
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-12cf-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

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Shoes, worn by Celia Cruz
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