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An American Civil War Era African American Southern Quilt

$3,400
£2,581.22
€2,975.72
CA$4,809.77
A$5,178.15
CHF 2,773
MX$62,394.91
NOK 34,987.60
SEK 32,019.31
DKK 22,235.78

About the Item

This extraordinary hand-stitched quilt, dating to the American Civil War era (circa 1860–1870), originates from the deep South—likely Alabama or Georgia—and stands as a powerful example of African American folk artistry during one of the most pivotal periods in American history. Crafted from wool and homespun blankets, the quilt features a striking design of diagonally pieced squares composed of repurposed clothing in shades of navy, brown, red, and gray. These textiles are believed to be remnants of garments worn during the Civil War, transformed through necessity and creativity into a work of enduring beauty and cultural significance. The back of the quilt is made from a bold red and gray striped textile, adding a distinctive visual contrast. Quilts like this—made by African Americans in the Reconstruction-era South—are exceedingly rare and deeply meaningful. They embody both resilience and resourcefulness, and serve as powerful expressions of heritage, survival, and artistic identity. This particular quilt comes from the collection of a Civil Rights attorney who has spent decades practicing in Alabama and Georgia, with a devoted interest in preserving African American folk art from the Civil War era. Its provenance adds another layer of depth and historical significance. Dimensions: 63” x 73” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: Alabama, United States Material: Cotton, wool Condition: Good The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 1982 African American Quilts, Southern Quilts, Gee’s Bend Quilts, Alabama Quilts, 19th Century Quilts, African American Art, Antique African American Quilts, Vintage Raising Barn Quilt, Vintage Log Cabin Quilt, Americana, American Folk Art, Antique American Textiles, American Silk Quilt, Vintage Quilts, Hand Stitched Quilts, Southern Quilts, African American Quilts, Gee’s Bend Quilts, Vintage Handwoven Tapestries, Handwoven, Handcrafted Quilts, Reducing Carbon Footprint, Sustainable Living, Sustainability.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)Width: 73 in (185.42 cm)Depth: 63 in (160.02 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1870-1879
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Barrington, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 19821stDibs: LU8224236096832

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