THE AFRICAN AMERICAN QUILTING TRADITIONS

The idea of a quilt to many may be a covering or protecting from cold temperatures or for laying on; however Africans throughout history use quilts to describe parts of their lives, put messages in, and tell stories of both the past and present.  The quilts are made up of different materials such as silk, polyester, and nylon, but for the most part, the easiest and most affordable way for quilts to be made was through cotton.

The quilting tradition was brought to the Americas through the slave trade and has influenced many cultures throughout North America, Central America, and Caribbeans.  Many African-Americans still practice the tradition now and continue to add and create other ways to make quilts.