Slave Quilt Designs
Some people think that there were secret messages in the form of quilt patterns
aided slaves escaping the bonds of captivity in the Southern states before and
during the American Civil War. Slaves could not read or write; it was illegal to
teach a slave to do so. Codes, therefore, were part of the slaves’ existence and
their route to freedom, which eventually became known as the Underground
Railroad.
Some forms of dance, spirituals, code words and phrases, and memorized
symbols all allowed the slaves to communicate with each other on a level their
white owners could not interpret. Codes were created by both whites and blacks
who were aiding the slaves. The Blacks included other slaves, former slaves or
free men and women. In slavery, secrecy was one way the blacks could protect
themselves from the whites; even the youngest child was taught to effectively
keep a secret from anyone outside of the family.
Most quilt patterns had their roots in the African traditions the slaves brought with
them to North America when they were captured and forced to leave their
homeland. The Africans’ method of recording their history and stories was by
committing it to memory and passing it on orally to following generations. Quilt
patterns were passed down the same way. It is interesting to note that, in Africa,
the making of textiles was done by males; it was not until the slaves’ arrival in
North America that this task fell to the females.
The quilt patterns, used in a certain order, relayed messages to slaves preparing to
escape. Each pattern represented a different meaning. Some of the most common
were “Monkey Wrench”, “Star”, “Crossroads”, and “Wagon Wheel”. Quilts slung over
a fence or windowsill, seemingly to air, passed on the necessary information to
knowing slaves. As quilts hung out to air was a common sight on a plantation,
neither the plantation owner nor the overseer would notice anything suspicious. It
was all part of a day’s work for the slaves.
Characteristic of African culture is the communication of secrets through the use of
common, everyday objects; the objects are seen so often they are no longer
noticeable. This applied to the quilts and their patterns, stitching and knotting. It has
been suggested that the stitching and the knotting on slave quilts contained secret
information, too, as map routes and the distances between safe houses. Using the
quilts, spirituals and code words, the slaves could effectively communicate
nonverbally with each other and aid each other to escape.
There is still controversy among historians and scholars over the quilt code theory,
and whether or not escaping slaves actually used codes concealed within quilt
patterns to follow the escape routes of the Underground Railroad. Many of the quilt
patterns cited are known to have been created after the Civil War, so it is doubtful
the entire code is correct. However, as oral histories leave no written record, there is
no written proof that the codes in the quilt patterns actually existed. What remains
are the stories passed down through the generations from the slaves themselves,
and, following the code of secrecy, many of the stories were never told.
Flying Geese: A signal to follow the direction of the flying geese
as they migrated north in the spring. Most slaves escaped during
the spring; along the way, the flying geese could be used as a
guide to find water, food and places to rest. The quilt maker had
flexibility with this pattern as it could be used in any quilt. It could
also be used as a compass where several patterns are used
together.
North Star: A signal with two messages--one to prepare to escape
and the other to follow the North Star to freedom in Canada.
North was the direction of traffic on the Underground Railroad.
This signal was often used in conjunction with the song, “Follow
the Drinking Gourd”, which contains a reference to the Big Dipper
constellation. Two of the Big Dipper’s points lead to the North
Star.
Monkey Wrench: A signal to gather all the tools required for the
fleeing slave’s journey, meaning the physical tools, as well as the
mental and spiritual ones.
Sailboat: A signal that either a body of water was nearby or that
boats were available.
Drunkard’s Path: A warning signal to take a zigzag route to
elude pursuing slave hunters and their hounds that are in the
area. A slave spotted travelling south, for instance, would not
be suspected of escaping.
Wagon Wheel/Carpenter's Wheel: A signal to the slave to
pack the items needed to travel by wagon or that could be
used while traveling. It could also mean to pack the provisions
necessary for survival, as if packing a wagon for a long
journey, or to actually load the wagon in preparation for
escape. Some records indicate this symbol meant a wagon
with hidden compartments in which slaves could conceal
themselves, would soon be embarking for the trip to freedom.
Crossroads: A symbol referring to Cleveland, Ohio, which was the main
crossroads with several routes to freedom. On a less literal level, the term
“crossroads” also means reaching a turning point in one’s life, where a
choice must be made and then carry on.
Bear's Paw: Follow a mountain trail, out of view, and then follow an actual
bear’s trail which would lead to water and food.
Bow Tie (or Hourglass): A symbol indicating it was necessary to travel in
disguise or to change from the clothing of a slave to those of a person of
higher status.
Shoofly: A symbol that possibly identifies a person who can guide and help; a
person who helped slaves escape along the Underground Railroad and who
knew the codes.
Tumbling Blocks or Boxes: A symbol indicating it was time for slaves to pack
up and go, that a conductor was in the area.
Broken Dishes: A symbol referring to a signal that involved broken crockery
Britches: A symbol indicating the escaping slave needed to dress as a
free person.
Rose Wreath: A symbol that indicated someone had died on the journey.
It was an African tradition to leave floral wreaths on the graves of
deceased.
Log Cabin: A symbol in a quilt or that could be drawn on the ground
indicating it was necessary to seek shelter or that a person is safe to
speak with. Some sources say it indicated a safe house along the
Underground Railroad.
Double Wedding Ring: This pattern did not exist until after the American
Civil War. However, the Double Irish Chain pattern did and is believed to
have symbolized the chains of slavery. When a slave saw this quilt
displayed, it meant the rings or shackles of slavery could be removed.
When marrying, slaves did not exchange wedding rings; they “jumped
the broom”.
QUOTES FROM SLAVE NARRATIVES
Another evil of slavery [is]...the want of parental care and attention. My parents
were not able to give any attention to their children during the day. I often suffered
much from hunger and other similar causes.” -JAMES W.C. PENNINGTON 1849
“And then there was the fear that I might be sold away from those who were dear
to me, and conveyed to the far South. I had learned that being a slave I was
subject to the worst (to us) of all calamities;” -LUNSFORD LANE 1842
“I had faith that when he had taken me back to the stable yard, and commenced
whipping me, she would come and stop him, but I looked in vain, for she did not
come. “ -JACOB STROYER 1898
“A mere look, word, or motion,- - a mistake, accident, or want of power,- - are all
matters for which a slave may be whipped at any time.”
- FREDERICK DOUGLASS 1845
”She always came in the winter when the nights are long and dark, and people
who have homes stay in them.” -HARRIET TUBMAN -1863
“Tell them [the children] they must remember they have a good father and one
that cares for them and one that thinks about them every day. ”
-LAURA SPICER 1869
“I never knew a whole family to live together till all were grown up in my life.”
- LEWIS CLARKE 1846
"Oh, that I had a friend, To tell my secrets to, One always to depend upon In
everything I do!" -PETER RANDOLPH 1893
“In the condition of a slave he felt that it would be impossible for him to remain.
Full well did he know, however, that it was no holiday task to escape the
vigilance of Virginia slave- hunters, or the wrath of an enraged master for
committing the unpardonable sin of attempting to escape to a land of liberty.”
- HENRY "BOX" BROWN 1872
“If we hadn't become sojers, all might have gone back as it was before; our
freedom might have slipped through de two houses of Congress and President
Linkum's four years might have passed by and notin' been done for us. But now
tings can neber go back, because we have showed our energy and our
courage…” -THOMAS LONG 1870
SLAVE QUILT RAFT
Using your notes and your textbook, create a quilt square
to help commemorate the unique and painful experience
that was being a slave. Use quotes, images, and colors to
help make your quilt square memorable.
ROLE: A slave
AUDIENCE: People in 2009
FORMAT: Quilt Square
TOPIC: Living as a Slave