Signs and Symbols: African Images in African American Quilts (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

~ Maude Southwell Wahlman (Author) "The use of strips is a chief construction technique, a dominant design element, and a symbolic form in West African, Caribbean, and African American textiles..." (more)
Key Phrases: cloth charms, multiple patterning, slave quilts, African American, West African, Sarah Mary Taylor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

<div>African-American quilts possess two unique qualities: more than any other American visual art, they most fully realize the expressive force of jazz, and they bind together generations of African-American families who have made and cherished quilts. In Signs and Symbols, quilt expert Maude Southwell Wahlman introduces readers to a third powerful force in these quilts: their African-derived meanings, patterns, and iconography. She explores the religious, ritual, philosophical, and aesthetic beliefs that have been retained by descendants of Africans in the New World and demonstrates how these beliefs are represented in their textiles. Now back in print, Signs and Symbols remains the most complete illustrated work on this art form; featuring over 150 high-quality full-color reproductions.</div>

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Tinwood Books; 2nd edition (November 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965376613
• ISBN-13: 978-0965376617
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,342 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #11 in	Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Regional > African American
  #68 in	Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Regional > United States

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars eye-opening and wonderful, January 31, 2007

By	Meg in Madison (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews

I saw the Gee's Bend exhibit and was overwhelmed by the energy, the art, and the human story in those amazing quilts. They were so different from mainstream quilts, and I wanted to find out more about African American traditions in quilting. I stumbled over Signs & Symbols at my local library and loved it. It not only has wonderful photos of quilts, but delves into the symbols and artistic structure of the quilts and how they relate to traditional African art and symbols---with plenty of photos of African textiles, amulets, etc. I'm no expert in anthropology and ethnology, but I am familiar with academic research, and I think Wahlman has presented a wealth of fascinating and compelling evidence for the relationship.

The quilts are truly stunning, the quilting (not just the piecing) shows up well in many of the photos, and dimensions are given (which I'm delighted by---I can get a feel for the measurements of the patches and blocks). This book's quilts are informing my own quilts and will be for many years. In terms of influence on my work, I put Signs & Symbols in the same category with Liberated Quiltmaking (by Gwen Marston).

Be aware, this is not a how-to book. There are no projects, and no descriptions of how to make quilts. But if you like quilt books that are filled with beautiful old quilts, and want to immerse yourself in a different and entrancing quilting tradition, you'll love this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very worthwhile read, January 24, 2009

By	M. Rodriquez (Aurora, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I started quilting about 10 years ago. I'm of American Indian ancestry. Along the years I have looked into the quilting styles of many different ethnic backgrounds: African American, Hawaiian, Japaneses (you get the idea). This is one of my favorite books. I love the visual images and details. It is a great book for academic research and for those interested in the rich history of symbolism and meaning tied to African American quilts. When I can afford a good copy it is going to be on my shelf and eventually it'll belong to my daughter (who has taken an interest in quilting/sewing).

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, May 21, 2008

By	A. Simonyan - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I needed this book for research it was delivered before the date estimated. In great condition too.