Sleepy Hollow, Headless Horseman Tunic

original movie costume

The Headless Horseman's (Ray Park) tunic from Tim Burton's fantasy horror Sleepy Hollow. The Headless Horseman wore his tunic throughout the film as he haunted the town of Sleepy Hollow, with his costume decaying as the film progressed. This tunic displays little degeneration reflecting the Horseman's appearance in earlier scenes. 

Costume designer, Colleen Atwood was nominated for an Academy Award for her work on the film. The jacket is made of woven fabric, with the upper rear section made of black velour. The focal point is a large silver, double headed dragon motif located to the centre with black velour edging. Further velour trim and decorative red pipping is present around the collar and along the arms. It fastens along the back with a zip and Velcro straps. The bottom of the jacket is laced with black cotton cord. The jacket has a covering of wax which gives a realistic decomposition effect, as well as distressing to give the impression of deterioration and wear sustained from battle. 

Four small metal hooks are located near the collar where the Horseman's cape was attached, and a pair of black pads have been sewn into the lining of jacket's skirt for comfort during action scenes. The jacket itself is quite rigid due to the wax layer, however overall it remains in very good condition.