Thread: Jul/27/11 - Holy Smokes - an 1860's Belly Dance Costume!

Got $5K burning a hole in your pocket? I'm not sure how much a costume like this is really worth, but it sure is an interesting historical piece.

1860's Antique Vintage Belly Dancing Dancer outfit L@@K | eBay

That is SO COOL!!!! I really like that the seller is not only offering what info she has but is asking for any info that someone else may have. How totally and completely NEAT to see something from that era. (and dammit, it would be in my colors, LOL!!!)

Yeah, it's insane just to see a piece that old. Usually when we see a vintage costume for sale, it's from the 50's or newer.

And I agree. It's very cool that she's open to offers. For all you know, it could have belonged to royalty and it may be trimmed in jewels. Or it might have been pieced together with dish rags. She should get it appraised, though. If I had an unusual treasure like that, I'd want to know as much as possible about it!

Unless, of course, the seller is just an Average Jane who found it at an estate sale and doesn't geek out over BD costuming the way we all do!

I have no doubt that costume is old, but I don't think it's from the 1860's - there isn't any evidence that belly dance was performed in America before the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876. (IIRC)

Also that fabric and the style of the vest look more 1920's to me - and Orientalists like La Meri, Ruth St. Dennis, etc.

Still very cool though!

wow!! definitely very interesting! i would love to know the story of that costume :)

Originally Posted by phillyraqs

I have no doubt that costume is old, but I don't think it's from the 1860's - there isn't any evidence that belly dance was performed in America before the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876. (IIRC)

Also that fabric and the style of the vest look more 1920's to me - and Orientalists like La Meri, Ruth St. Dennis, etc.

Still very cool though!

I was thinking the exact same thing.