Ties That Bind: Moments and makers stitched into our quilting past

Since arriving in America, Africans have participated in every aspect of life. Quilting is no exception. People of colour have created quilts covering the entire spectrum of the craft. There is no affinity for colour, specific construction or stitching that unequivocally identifies the race of a quilter. To underscore that statement, let’s look at three 19th century contributions from quilters of colour.

In reflecting on our collective quilt history, there is no doubt that world culture has played a significant part in overall quilt aesthetic. Though the African influence on quilting is indeed worldwide, this article will focus on three quilters of African descent in America and the part they’ve played in history.

Quilts tell stories. Often these stories give voice to the quilter, often these quilts give voice to the recipient. Sometimes the mere existence of a particular quilt reflects a special kinship. Such is the case with three quilters born into slavery