Chalice Quilt
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Description
This quilt was made by slaves on the Mimosa Hall Plantation in Marshall Texas for the use of the Anglican bishop of New Orleans.
Full description »This quilt was made by slaves on the Mimosa Hall Plantation in Marshall Texas for the use of the Anglican bishop of New Orleans. Each year the bishop would tour the region’s cotton plantations to perform baptisms and marriages. After his departure, quilts made for his visit were given over for slave use.
Hand-quilted semi-circles cover the surface of the quilt. Those in the centre are smaller where they have been squeezed into the remaining space. Three pieces of machine-stitched red and white striped cotton form the backing. This has been folded around the edges and stitched to the front of the quilt to create the binding.
'I remember seeing the Chalice Quilt on the back cover of the exhibition catalogue… I loved the bold crimson colour and simple design. I could feel the quiet reverence conveyed by the fabrics.' Kyra E. Hicks, quilter and quilt historian
Object Name
Dated
From 1855 (circa) to 1865 (circa)
Period
Keywords
African American, slavery, Mimosa Hall Plantation, religious ceremonies, bishop (prelate), ,
Materials
Technique
» quilting
» piecing
» sewing (needleworking technique)
Production place
Collection
Dimensions
221x191cm
Object number
1983.172
