All Matters African

African American Quilts

African American Quilts have been around for many generations and this art form has been given new life in recent years...

Are you a lover of African American Quilts and/or an amateur collector of African Fabrics.

The combination of elements of traditional African textiles with the blocks and patterns of traditional American quilt patterns can result in a joyful finished African American quilt. Even though the quilting designs have been in existence for many years they have really become popular as works of art in the past few years.

Many collectors look for quality African American quilts to add to their collections. The designs for these ethnic quilting patterns were often memorized rather than copied face-to-face. The quilters would work from patterns dedicated to memory.

They also used tried and true stitching techniques shared among black women in the United States. These traditional techniques have stood the test of time for many generations.

At first, the African coverlets were considered to be crude in design. The quilting patterns were not appreciated for their vibrant colors and magnificent form by the untrained eyes of past generations.

Many of the first African American quilts were strictly utilitarian. The blankets were to be used to keep the owner warm, not to adorn the home.

Now these beautifully crafted African American quilts are really noticed for their beauty and quality. These superior blankets are striking and they are valuable as well. The ethnic artistry tells a story of our heritage in the United States and the traditional quilting techniques brings a long-lasting ceremony of remembrance for our ancestors.

The progression from utilitarian blankets to recognized art forms has been a very slow journey for the African American quilts. Ironically, quilting among the Anglo American population has been recognized as an art form for a relatively long time. Most contemporary quilters tend to lean towards Amish and New England-style patterns rather than embracing African American quilts.

However, many artists are beginning to recognize the African American quilts as a valuable part of our history. These items were typically created by poor black women in the rural South. The blankets were used for the quilter’s relatives and friends. These women did not have the time or the money to invest in elaborate designs and intricate stitching.

The lack of resources and time did not affect the actual quality of the product. In fact, many of the African American quilts are made as well as if not better than their expensive counterparts. These items had to be sturdy and durable in order to sufficiently stand the test of time.

This dazzling display presents an indigenous American art, an alternative aesthetic tradition quite different from that seen in widely known European-American quilts. In contrast, many African American quilts are characterized by strips, bold colors, large designs, asymmetry, multiple patterns, and improvisation. African American quilts are unique in American arts because they show a combination or creolization of African textile ideas and symbols with American traditions.

The nation's strongest tradition of African American quilting survives today in the Southern United States, practiced by women who have pursued their art in face of difficult economic, social, and political odds. The exhibition honors living artists and promotes an active art. African American quilts should be recognized and celebrated now so that it can be preserved and continued far into the future.

Resources

Quilting Traditions – Article about the history of African American women in quilting. Quilting traditions and Bible quilt.

America's Quilting History – The enthusiast’s directory to quilt history sites. Presence in quilts, quilting traditions and quilts and quilters.