11/01/2025
Native American women began quilting out of necessity during the late 19th century. Due to restrictions placed on Native American men, they were no longer able to leave the reservations for hunting and gathering resources. This meant that animal hides, which were used for making robes and clothing, became scarce. In response to this challenge, women turned to quilting as a practical solution for making bed coverings.
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The art of quilting was primarily learned through various sources, including missionaries, the wives of government officials stationed on reservations, and boarding schools. Initially, Native American women created quilts with square or geometric patterns. However, over time, they developed a wide range of intricate geometric designs. Among these designs, the star quilt became particularly prevalent, especially among the Lakota tribe.
The star pattern holds a significant cultural and ceremonial place among the Lakota people. While star quilts were created by women from different tribes, the Lakota tribe made it their own. The star pattern holds symbolic meaning as it represents the morning star, an important symbol in Lakota beliefs and ceremonial life. Although the design may have been influenced by Euro-American designs, it also draws inspiration from traditional hide-painting traditions.
Quilting societies were organized by Lakota women, replacing the porcupine quill-working societies of the pre-reservation era. Membership in these quilting societies bestowed a higher standing within the community upon women. Additionally, the star quilt emerged as an object of cultural and economic importance among the Lakota people.
Traditionally, it was expected that all young Lakota women would make at least one star quilt to take to their new husband's home when they married. However, these quilts were rarely used for bed coverings. Instead, star quilts had specific cultural roles within Lakota Sioux life. They were often used as door coverings for dwellings or shelters during ceremonial events. In the yuwipi ceremonies, healers would wear star quilts as part of their attire. Furthermore, star quilts played a crucial role in giveaways and the various life-cycle events of the Sioux people, from birth to death.
In contemporary Lakota society, female relatives create small star quilts for newborn babies in their family. When news arrives of a Lakota person nearing the end of their life, groups of Sioux women may come together to create a star quilt in as little as four hours, which will be used during the memorial service. Star quilts are also given by Lakota tribal officials to honor prominent politicians and establish a reciprocal relationship.
Selling star quilts to tourists and collectors has become a significant source of income for Native American women. Quilt-makers have traditionally sold their creations in locations near reservations, such as Rapid City, South Dakota. However, with the rise of the internet, more Native American women are now able to showcase and sell their star quilts to the wider public.
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