| African American quilting is almost as old as the history | | | | BizRate and Quilt Professionals. These websites have |
| of America. Originally in Africa most of the textiles, | | | | African American quilts for sale at reasonable prices. |
| were made by men. However, with the slave trade, | | | | You will find that these sets come with sheets and |
| the men were not able to uphold these traditions as | | | | pillow cases in complimentary patterns. |
| their time was focused on manual labor. Thus the | | | | When searching for African American quilts, you must |
| African American slave women took over the tradition. | | | | remember that this is not an item that is used |
| Most of the patterns on these quilts are representative | | | | everyday, thus it is much more difficult to locate. |
| of a significant part of African tradition. For example, in | | | | Reading and understanding about the role that quilts |
| Africa, there was an essential need to recognize | | | | played in African American history would give you an |
| people from far distances as this would serve as a | | | | even greater appreciation of these quilts. For instance |
| crucial warning for tribes. Thus textile tradition of using | | | | African American quilts were used during slavery |
| large shapes and bright color was carried on. Thus the | | | | years by members of the Underground Railroad (a |
| tradition of African American quilting were the eventual | | | | well known group of abolitionists) as a method to |
| responsibility of African American women. | | | | convey messages to slaves on different plantations. |
| Besides African Americans, many people share a | | | | Log Cabin quilts made with black cloth were used to |
| genuine interest and delight in owning these types of | | | | indicate a safe house of refuge. Some quilts even |
| quilts. However, sourcing good African American quilts | | | | illustrated escape routes that slaves could use to get |
| are not as simple as heading down to your favorite | | | | out of a plantation or county. While many others |
| Department Store. If you have Internet access you | | | | marked the stars that would act as a night-time map |
| may want to check out a few sites such as Ebay, | | | | through the country to freedom. |