Joyce Scott continues a long tradition of quilting in a few of the pieces in this exhibition, and I thought it would be interesting to share some of the history behind that tradition. (Thanks to Rachel, our fabulous intern, who did some of the research for this post.)

The idea of the quilt developed by African Americans during slavery is embedded in some deep and complex origins—major elements are drawn from African ancestry. For example, in Africa, warring tribes and hunting parties often employed weavings with large shapes and bright colors so that they could be recognized easily from a distance. In fact, weaving was typically a male trade, but during slavery under the influence of western gender roles, weaving and quilting became more associated with women.

Asymmetry is common in African and African-American quilting—as it is in Joyce Scott’s work. It seems that the goal was not a repeating pattern but to sew a large piece of fabric with separate weaves and patterns. In many tribes, having many patterns was even considered a symbol of wealth.

The technique of appliqué and record keeping using quilts was very popular among African tribes and later among African-Americans. Quilt appliqué was and is a viewable, enduring means of commemorating key events like birth, marriage, and spiritual dedication. There is also a history of quilts and textiles having religious significance with protective charm patterns and religious symbols.

Do you know more about quilting or the tradition of African-American quilting? Please share by leaving a comment…

[Asymmetrical African quilt]. Retrieved May 25, 2006, from: http://xroads.virginia.edu/~UG97/quilt/atrads.html
[Record-keeping African quilt]. Retrieved May 25, 2006, from: http://xroads.virginia.edu/~UG97/quilt/atrads.html