African American Quilting: The Warmth of Tradition (The Library of African American Arts and Culture)

Explains the symbolism, stories, and family meaning that make American quilting a rich art form; includes the how-to of quilting; and touches on other crafts of the African-American tradition, offering readers a chance to cultivate their own artistic talents.

Gr 4-7-A delightful treasure trove of information about quilts, history, and tradition. Wilson discusses three types of quilts-whole cloth work, piecing, and applique-before turning to the fabrics and traditions of African textile work. "A History of Quilting" discusses the Palestinian-European connection, Japanese quilting, Seminole patchwork, Hawaiian snowflake quilting, and Tahitian tifaifai. The author then relates how, in America, "African American slaves devised ingenious ways of keeping memories of their homeland-and their sense of self-respect-alive." Through vibrant color photographs, reproductions, and beautiful piecework quilts, readers will see how these bits of handiwork played a part in history. Symbols, colors, and patterns known only to a select few provided information during the flight for freedom and brightly colored quilt hangings on clotheslines often guided slaves to a "safe house." Famous quilters like Harriet Tubman, Harriet Powers, Elizabeth Keckley, and Rosa Parks are introduced in the context of their contribution to African-American history.-Kathleen A. Nester, Downingtown High Ninth Grade Center, PA

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