Q8314 African American “Bull’s Eye”
c.1917 apx. 60”x80” Mississippi $4900

This quilt is an amazing piece of African-American art. It is comprised of just a few fabrics in solids: red, white, blue and khaki (originally red). This khaki is a WWI red aniline dye that did not hold its color. The backing of the quilt is of home-dyed feedsack fabric and is turned to the front to form the binding. The blocks in this piece measure 15 inches, and the sashing varies but measures approximately four inches wide. The quilt is pieced both by hand and machine, but is hand quilted with outline, triple line, and cross-hatch quilting.

This quilt is full of symbolism. Circles in African-American folk art bring to mind the cycling of life as suggested by the Kongo cosmogram. Additionally, red, white and blue are all considered to be protective colors, as well as providing the strong contrast of colors typical of many African-American quilts.

This wonderfully graphic piece of art is an excellent example of the African-American aesthetic. In used condition and professionally hand washed by Betsey.