Theda Bara "Cleopatra" vulture headpiece from Cleopatra....

Description

Theda Bara "Cleopatra" vulture headpiece from Cleopatra. Fox Film Corp., 1917) Vintage original vulture coronation crown. When Theda Bara presented young teenager Joan Craig with her cherished costumes shortly before her death, Joan asked her what was the most precious item. Theda instantly replied that it was her vulture coronation crown from Cleopatra. The former star savored the memory of personally designing this piece, and choosing the various colors of thread woven through the majestic crown. Of course, 1917 audiences couldn't fully appreciate the creation in the black-and-white film, but you can now enjoy the crown in all its colorful magnificence! One can imagine the thrill Theda enjoyed the day she first wore her wondrous "Queen of the Nile" coronation crown, fashioned as a vulture, with multi-colored wing and tail feathers and a cocked head so the left eye peers imperiously at you. (The right eye is still there too.) The wingspan measures a full 22 in., while tip of beak to end of tail feather measures 15 in. The wings drape down either side of the queen's head and the interior retains the attached, very thin tissue paper, a worthy component of a true star's headpiece. This is a striking curio from a legendary actress in her most celebrated role, and had been one of Theda's most cherished reminders of her long-gone but never-forgotten superstardom. Concept is based on the Egyptian vulture goddess, Nekhbet. Constructed of jeweled eyes, multi-colored yarn embroidery, white silk, and light mesh inner lining. Accompanied by COA. Exhibits age, production wear and handling. In very fine condition.

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