Viola Davis [1] and Thuso Mbedu star as Agojie warriors in "The Woman King [2]," which is based on the all-woman army that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. Created by Gersha Phillips [3] and her wardrobe team, "The Woman King" costumes are inspired by research and tweaked to appeal to a younger audience, making them the perfect Halloween costume to DIY [4].
Every detail of the Agojie warrior outfit is intricate and purposeful. Rather than constructing loose, baggy shorts as were traditional in battle, Phillips went for a fitted look to make the costume feel contemporary. The palace tunics layered on top incorporate shades of turquoise and gold, woven by Barrydale Weavers [5] in South Africa. The decorative cowrie shells had monetary value and were used for protection, and the gold jewellery they wore was said to be gifted from the king. The leather belts functionally held their weapons while also helping to create a striking silhouette.
With costumes so thoughtful and symbolic, it's no wonder that the cast wanted to hold onto them as mementos. Phillips revealed that director Gina Prince-Bythewood [6] gave the actors who played Agojie their weapons to keep, wrapped in beautiful boxes after filming ended. "I think they probably have them displayed somewhere really nicely," Phillips said. "Viola had even asked me for the arm cuff [she wore], and I have it for her. I just haven't given it to her yet."
Content creators and cosplayers are in awe of the costumes as well — and they are already dreaming up their own takes on the Agojie uniform. See a few real-life examples ahead, then shop the essentials you need — as guided by Phillips — to dress up as an Agojie warrior yourself for Halloween [7].
Agojie Warrior DIY Halloween Costume
Cosplayer and artist Jahara Jayde [9] leaned into a literal interpretation of the look, fastening cowrie shells in her hair and accessorising with brass jewellery. Her rope pays homage to the weapon Thuso Mbedu's character Nawi uses during battle, and her printed scarf-turned-halter top and wrap skirt are uncanny re-creations.
Agojie Warrior DIY Halloween Costume
Content creator Tashira Halyard [10] took a fresh approach to crafting her Agojie costume, opting for head-to-toe leather to keep her look thematic. A printed bag served to add dimension and the shape of her belt lent a fierce warrior aesthetic. Finally, she was sure to add gold jewellery.
Shop the DIY Essentials
Phillips suggests using a printed scarf [11] ($24+) to tie up into a bandeau or halter. If you'd rather create one from pieces you already have on hand, try dyeing a few old white T-shirts with tea or coffee, then cut them on the diagonal until you have about a yard and a half of fabric to fashion into a top.
To make the Agojie skirt, use an oversize scarf with a bold print [12] ($10, originally $13). Or, dip a potato or sponge into white paint to use as a stamp for creating your own pattern on a cloth or towel. Alternatively, you could wear biker shorts to mimic the pants worn underneath the warriors' striped training tunics.
If you have access to an African fabric store, Phillips suggests decorating a simple, wide brown belt [13] ($18, originally $30) with miniature brass pieces or square plates that you can likely find in a crafts bin — just use fabric glue so it stays secure.
In the film, actual gourds were used for adding embellishment and decorations to the belts, which you could pick up at any grocery store. If you have a corset belt [14] ($90) with some extra loops and buckles, it'll be easier to tie on leather strings and ornamental finishes.
Shells were used for monetary exchange and for protection in battle in the West African kingdom of Dahomey, and the king would often gift them to his warriors. You can buy these in bulk [15] ($4) and add them to jewellery, pouches, and clothing. Viola Davis's character Nanisca wears them on her breast plate and the crossbody strap she fastens over her tunic.
While you'll see mostly gold jewellery used throughout the film, Phillips says the wardrobe team actually used plenty of brass. Many warriors wore arm cuffs [16] ($6), and Viola Davis actually asked to take one of hers home from set.
Phillips says that the pieces Nanisca wears in the film are meant to be gold, because the king would receive gold pieces from the visiting dignitaries or the Queen of England, then gift them to his warriors. A pack of hammered cuffs [17] ($48) would work nicely to achieve the look.
Rope is one of the first weapons in battle the trainees are taught to use in the film. Purchasing some natural hemp rope [18] ($10, originally $13) from Amazon is smart so you can go hands-free, but Phillips also recommends cutting makeshift knives and daggers out of cardboard or really thin plywood, which was often used on set during fittings.
Scroll down for more photos of "The Woman King" cast.
Viola Davis as Nanisca in "The Woman King"
Viola Davis as Nanisca and Thuso Mbedu as Nawi in "The Woman King"
Viola Davis as Nanisca in "The Woman King"
