Our Country's Good — costume key terms Flashcards
Ripped or Tattered Clothing
Costumes that depict the harsh living conditions and physical hardships experienced by the convicts in the penal colony
Class Distinctions
Costumes used to differentiate between characters of different social classes, highlighting the stark contrasts between the convicts and the colonial officials
A Shift Dress / Chemise
All of the female convicts will wear this
It is a white underdress which will be made of linen as this is not expensive
Their shifts will all be loose fitting, torn and stained at different rates depending on the character
Brown Peasant Clogs
All of the convicts will be wearing these, they are made of wood and were common at the time
Breeches
White linen trousers that all of the male characters will wear
The convicts trousers will be loose fitting and an off white (stained, torn etc) and the officers will be a clean and bright white showing their status
It’s important to note that the clothing provided to male convicts was…
often basic and of poor quality
The convicts’ clothing would have been subject to…
wear and tear
Distressing
Distressing is the act of making an item of clothing look more worn and old
Should increase as the play progresses
Hitching up clothing
The more rebellious characters like Shitty Meg + Liz Morden + Dabby would hitch up their dresses
This could be to show more skin (Meg) or so they can move more freely (Dabby + Liz)
Royal Navy Costume
Arthur Phillip will wear a navy blue military coat with white facings made of wool
The coat had gold or silver embroidered buttonholes and buttons to denote rank - I would have Phillip wear gold
Single-breasted coat featuring large lapels and long tails that reached below the waist
They wore white waistcoats and breeches made of linen or cotton
They donned a tricorn hat with gold braiding and a cockade denoting their allegiance to the British Crown
Facings
- Collar
- Cuffs
- Lapels
Lapels
The folded flaps on the front of a garment
Stockings
Stockings refer to close-fitting garments worn on the feet and legs to cover and enhance the appearance of the legs (silk)
Tricorn hat
A type of hat with a wide brim that is folded upward on three sides - creating a triangular shape when viewed from the top
Commonly associated with the fashion of the 18th century in the context of colonial America and European military uniforms
Cockade
A decorative emblem or rosette worn on a hat or lapel as a symbol of allegiance + rank + affiliation
Royal Marines Costume
Royal Marines officers typically wore a scarlet red coat with dark blue facings denoting their rank and affiliation
The officers’ coats were often single-breasted with large lapels and had long tails reaching below the waist
They wore white waistcoats and breeches made of linen
Officers also wore white stockings and black shoes
Peruke
A powdered white wig
What accessories would Ketch have?
A rope sewn into his costume
What material would the convicts use to fix their clothes on the ship?
A coarse and rough dark-colored material made from goat hair, camel hair, or other coarse fibers
Historical and biblical contexts - sackcloth had symbolic significance and was often associated with repentance, and humility
It was a humble and uncomfortable material - the use of sackcloth was a way to demonstrate remorse or sorrow outwardly (a visible expression)
What would the Aboriginal wear?
- Skins and Furs
- Fibrous Materials
- Decorative Elements
Skins and Furs
Animal skins and furs were used to make clothing items such as cloaks + possum-skin rugs + and wraps
These provided protection from the elements -particularly during colder seasons
Fibrous Materials
Indigenous Australians utilised plant fibers (such as those from bark or reeds) to create various garments
They would weave or twist fibers to make skirts + belts + headbands and other accessories
Decorative Elements
Traditional clothing often featured decorative elements, such as:
- Feathers
- Shells
- Kangaroo teeth
These were incorporated into headpieces + necklaces or belts
The area surrounding Botany Bay was home to various Aboriginal groups, primarily…
The Dharawal and Gweagal peoples
What should you take into consideration as a clothing designer regarding Aboriginal clothing…
Aboriginal culture is diverse, with different groups having their own distinct traditions and clothing styles
There is no singular “Aboriginal clothing” that applies universally to all Indigenous Australian groups
A Shift Dress / Chemise
All of the female convicts will wear this
It is a white underdess which will be made of linen as this is not expensive
Their Shifts will all be loose fitting, torn and stained at different rates depending on the character
