Harriett Powers and her Eternal Cloth Bible
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Vanderbilt University
Abstract
Art and images serve as cultural memories for many diaspora groups, from early Judaic to African American communities. Religion is one of the strongest cultural beliefs subject to creolization when art attempts to preserve those memories. The iconography created in Harriett Powers' (1836-1910) "Bible Quilt" (fig.1) broadcasts a personalized creolized message of faith and commitment. Powers interpreted and illustrated biblical stories in her famous and unique quilt. This paper will research and analyze the legacy that Powers' quilted bible message in fiber left behind.
Description
Student research for MLAS course Picturing the Bible with Professor Robin Jensen. The article analyses a quilt, held in the Smithsonian Museum, depicting bible stories, made by former slave Harriett Powers.
Keywords
Powers, Harriet -- 1837-1911, African American quilts, African American quiltmakers -- Georgia, Quilts -- Design, Bible crafts