The Legacy of Quilting
The “Underground Railroad” quilt my mother made for me.
Recently I attended an event in Lincolnville, South Carolina which celebrated the art of quilting called, The Lincolnville Quilting Art Exhibit.
Walking into the event, I felt the presence of ancestors encouraging us to remember and share the stories of our heritage, the legacy of the quilt, and its meaning. Around the perimeter of the room were quilts displayed with their owners, who later presented each item and their stories to the group.
In the late 1860’s, seven African American men, headed by Richard Harvey Cain, an AME minister, were looking for sites the South Carolina Railway Company wanted to sell. These men purchased 620 acres of land for $1,000 from the South Carolina Railway Company. These acres of land would become the town of Lincolnville. The town was incorporated on December 24, 1889.
I felt a lot of emotion in this space sitting in an old schoolhouse in one of the first all-black cities in South Carolina. I felt curiosity, love, honor, responsibility, and pride.
As each woman held up her hand-sewn quilt and shared their stories, I saw the gleam in their eye and pride in each piece of art and history. Listening to these stories, I imagined women in the community sewing quilts together at a table or outside in their yards – as was the tradition.
A quilt has become a piece of history, handed down from generation to generation, yet the craft of quilting has faded.
Quilting, sewing together pieces of fabric dates back to 3,400 B.C. Although America has a history of quilting, this day in Lincolnville was a time to recognize this history from the African American perspective.
During slavery, quilts were hung outside of homes along the Underground Railroad to communicate with the escaped enslaved Africans as they searched for freedom. Just like cornrows, these quilts held codes.
Later, quilts were sewn with remnants of old clothes or sheets, to be used for warmth and protection on cool nights.
As my mother and many of my aunts were taught to sew, my mother taught me. Although I never learned to quilt, I am grateful I learned to sew and it’s not too late to learn to quilt. Being here in Lincolnville gave me the desire to learn to quilt. These ladies welcomed anyone to come join them on Wednesdays when their group reconvened.
Returning home from the event, I unpacked the quilt my mother had made for me. Each of my siblings has a quilt made specifically for them. Touching the quilt I gave thanks.
Unfolding the quilt, I noticed some damage. It made me sad, yet hopeful. Maybe I can find someone to help me repair the damage.
If we don’t work to preserve this important historical artform, who will?
What piece of your history or culture handed down from generation to generation is losing the significance that you would like to learn to preserve?
Click here to learn more about Lincolnville, South Carolina.
Read related blog post, I Can’t Stop Thinking of You.
