AFRS204-African+American+Quilting+Assignments-F20
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AFRS 204: BLACK CREATIVE ARTS
African and African American Women Textile Makers Critical Reflections Article Assignment
Read: "Memory and Spirit: African American Quilting”, pp.13-22
1.
Which African cloth patterns are particularly linked to American African textiles? Provide both
the name and the region of Africa that these textiles originate from.
The Kente, The Bogolanfini, and the Kuba are African patterns that are particularly linked to American
African textiles. The Kente textiles are from the Ivory Coast tribes. The Bogolanfini textiles are from the
Mali Bamana tribe. Lastly, the Kuba textile is from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
2.
How did quilting offer
African American women an economic opportunity? Use a specific
example from the article.
Quilting offered African American women in a good economic opportunity that did not compete with the
male population
3.
What did Williams say about quilting and the “secret code”? What did Fry say about who usually
received credit for quilting?
William said that the secret code in quilting gave runaway slaves information as well as directions. These
quilts with the secret codes were hung out of windows, fence posts, and clothing lines. Fry revealed that
few slaves actually got credit for their quilting, and the owners of slaves occasionally kept quilts or made
gifts out of them without crediting who actually made the quilt.
4.
How did quilting change after the Civil War? In what ways did it change?
Quilting changed after the Civil War, because there was more freedom of choice as well as opportunities.
Women could choose any pattern that was available, as well as different symbols, textures and fabrics.
5.
Which factors contributed to the large number of African American quilts created from about
1915 to about 1960?
Factors that contributed to the large number of African-American quilts from 1915 to about 1960 include
things such as barrels, sacks, sewing machines, pattern, companies, and newspapers .
6.
Why was the collecting and displaying of quilts important, especially for African American
women?
Collecting and displaying quilts was so important to African-American women, because it was a way to
share their personal, social, and political expressions. It also was a way for women to show their power.
7.
List at least five of the nationally recognized African American quilting artists discussed in this
article.
Marie D. Webster, Nannie H. Burroughs, Ruth Clement Bond, Izzy Johnson, and Roland Freeman were all
nationally recognized African-American quilting artists discussed in this article.
Read:
"Quilting Links U.S. and Africa: A Tradition Come Full Circle"
8.
How were some of the gender distinctions and gendered transitions among African and African
American textile workers?
Some of the gender transitions among African textile workers include the fact that women became the
primary preservers of African textile traditions opposed to men. This is due to the fact that in the United
States, working with textiles was thought to be a woman’s job; this brought upon a gender division,
seeing as women solely worked with textiles.
9.
How has globalization influenced African quilt making? How have African and African American
peoples influenced each other? What has been the role of African American women?
Globalization influenced African quilt making due to the fact that it was taught to them primarily by
African-American women. African and African-American people have influenced each other by
exchanging skills and spreading around different quilts throughout Ghana with this being said the role of
African-American women in this situation is a teacher.
10.
What two techniques are used primarily in African American quilts? What are two popular
patterns? What makes African American quilts unique?
The two techniques that are primarily
used in African-American quotes include patchwork and appliqué. Two popular patterns are the
four patch and the nine patch. What makes African-American quilts unique is the improvisation.
This is done by using bright and contrasting colors, as well as large designs, vertical stripes and
different patterns, used to create an aesthetic similar to drumbeats.
11.
What are some of the differences between how African and African American quilts are made?
Discuss and describe the differences that make them each unique.
African and African-American quilts are similar, but different in some ways. African-American quilters
take their time shopping for the perfect fabric, or might save one of their favorite fabrics to use in the
quilt. However, when it comes to African quilts, fabrics are purchased as part of their supplies. They
differ because African-American quilt fabrics are selected carefully as a way to record family history, or as
a way to express creativity, whereas African quilts are done more as a standard process to make money.
Another difference between the two is that African quilters typically do not use the four patch or nine
patch pattern, their work usually consists of small, medium or large blocks. African-American quilters on
the other hand, use the traditional patterning blocks.
Read: "African American Women Quilters as Herstorians and Keepers of Our Dreams"?
https://likeawhisper.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/bhm-african-american-women-quilters-as-herstorians-
and-keepers-of-our-dreams/
Origins
:
12.
Many have argued that African American women’s quilting follows a European tradition and
style, how does the writer offer evidence that the reality was more complex? (Discuss at least 3
reasons)
The writer offers a couple reasons as to why African American women’s quilting was more complex than
the Europeans. The reasons being that one, Black Womens quilts were seldom and not historically
significant so there are not enough early quilts to determine anything from. The second reason is that
the quilts have symbols that date back to African textiles. The third reason is that Black and white
women quilted total times during slavery which could lead to syncretic patterns and innovations.
Symbolism
:
13.
Why were symbols important to both African and African American quilt makers?
Symbols were important to both African and African American quilt makers because they told stories,
held important information, and also made the quilt unique.
14.
What is the controversy surrounding symbolism and the Underground Railroad in quilts created
by African American women?
The controversies surrounding symbolism in the underground railroad in quilts created by African-
American women, have two different sides. The first side is that black was seen as refuge and triangles
meant prayer. The other idea is that the symbols were not actually used on the Railroad.
Homosocial
:
15.
How did quilting provide both homosocial bonds and preserve family history/herstory?
Quilting provided both Homosocial social bonds and preserved family history/herstory by giving
women the opportunity to get together and socialize, protect their families in their homes, and
to use symbols as a way to preserve
history and family struggles.
Read:
“The Enduring Significance of Harriet Powers Quilts”*:
https://www.artstor.org/2017/07/07/the-enduring-significance-of-harriet-powers-quilts/
16.
Why is Harriet Powers important to the African American tradition of quilting, and in general?
Harriet Powers is important to the African American tradition of quilting and in general because
her quilts can be used as a piece of history. Her first quilt is believed to be the “Bible quilt”
seeing as it has tails from Cain and Abel as well as the last supper. Her second quilt is a
juxtaposition detailing biblical stories and real life tales.
Quilt Herstory Research:
Through your own
research, find a quilt made by an African American woman/group of women. Include
the name of the quilter, and the title/name of the quilt (if title is provided)
●
Copy and paste the image of your chosen quilt directly onto your document to include.
17.
Why did you choose this quilt, and what story do you think the quilt is telling? How do the
symbols, patterns, and imagery contribute to your understanding of the quilt's message?
(Paragraph)
I chose
. I choose this quilt because of its vibrant colors and also due to the fact that it captures
the a music atmosphere that I can relate to. This quilt shows her impressive way of combining
quilting as well as storytelling, Ringgold weaves together the rich cultural of Harlem,
h
showcasing its music, dance, and also its literary history. This beauty work of art serves as a
visual representation of the artistic vibrancy that the Harlem community had during an
important era in American history. It also reflects Ringgold's deep connection to her cultural
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heritage
and
her
extraordinary
artistic
talent.