Gee’s Bend (officially known as Boykin) is an isolated African American community in rural western Alabama (USA). Most of the population of 750 people (2007 census) are descendants of slaves on the cotton plantation of Joseph Gee, which dates back to 1816. The tradition of quilting in Gee’s Bend goes back to at least the mid-nineteenth century and is believed by some to be influenced by West African textile traditions, in particular those of the Fon people of Benin.
The Gee’s Bend Quilters Collective was formed in 2003. It consists of fifty, mostly elderly female quilt makers, who continue the tradition of producing and selling quilts. Some of the quilts are now sold for $20,000. Part of the sale’s money goes to the quilter, the rest to the Collective for operating expenses and distribution among other members. In 2006, the quilts of Gee’s Bend went on an exhibition tour of prestigious American art museums, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of Fine Art. Many art critics praised the quilts as prime examples of American modern art.
See also: African American quilts
Sources:
- ARNETT William S., Alvia WARDLAW, Jane LIVINGSTON and J. BEARDSLEY (2002). The Quilts of Gee’s Bend, Atlanta: Tinwood Books.
- www.smithsonianmag.com (retrieved 7 May 2016).
Digital source of illustration (retrieved 30 June 2016).
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