Created by
Pettway, Mensie Lee, American, born 1939
Subject of
The Quilts of Gee's Bend, American, founded 1845
Date
2007
Medium
corduroy and denim with muslin backing
Dimensions
H x W x D (framed): 96 × 87 3/4 × 2 1/2 in. (243.8 × 222.9 × 6.4 cm)
H x W x D (unframed): 91 × 84 × 3/4 in. (231.1 × 213.4 × 1.9 cm)
Description
This pieced quilt, entitled "Silo," is an example of the quilting styles of Gee's Bend, Alabama. The center of the quilt is constructed of black, red, orange, tan, olive green, and yellow strips of corduroy that are pieced together in vertically-oriented stripes. The center motif is surrounded by repurposed pant legs of denim jeans that are pieced in concentric steps, a design commonly called "log cabin" or "courthouse steps," and known in the Gee's Bend area as "bricklayer." Some of the pant legs retain the back pocket, which have all been machine-sewn shut with blue thread. The quilt is backed with plain white muslin. The quilt is bound from back to front with red corduroy. It is hand quilted using widely spaced stitches in off-white thread that is sewn in a grid pattern. In one corner on the muslin backing the text "Made August 26, 2007" is hand written in black ink.
Place made
Rehoboth, Gee's Bend, Boykin, Wilcox County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Textiles and Quilts
Type
presentation quilts
Topic
American South
Art
Craftsmanship
Design
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Graham Holdings Company
Object number
2014.276.1
Restrictions & Rights
© Mensie Lee Pettway/ Artists Rights Society
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd567ce82d8-7708-468f-8198-59d13c3d2aec

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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