Star Quilts A History of the Plains Indians

Plains Indians • Reside in the Northwestern United States • Montana tribes – –

Early 1800’s • Plains Indians relied on the buffalo for survival – Food, clothing,

Late 1800’s • Buffalo became extinct • Hides were no longer available • Plains

The Beginnings of the Star Quilt • Why did Indian women need to learn

Morning Star • Became the dominant quilt design for Plains Indians • Represents a

The Star Quilt • The morning star design is now known as the Star

The Number 4 • A sacred number that represents – The directions of the

Making Quilting Their Own • Plains Indians have made quilting their own cultural art

What do Star Quilts teach us about Native Americans? • History – Survival •

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Star Quilts A History of the Plains Indians Quilting Traditions

Plains Indians • Reside in the Northwestern United States • Montana tribes – – – – – Assiniboine Sioux Gros Ventre Chippewa. Cree Blackfeet Kootenai Salish Pend d’Oreille Crow Northern Cheyenne

Early 1800’s • Plains Indians relied on the buffalo for survival – Food, clothing, and shelter • Led a nomadic lifestyle – Had to follow the buffalo herds • Painted geometrical designs and symbols on buffalo hides – Hides were used for bedding, teepees, and clothing

Late 1800’s • Buffalo became extinct • Hides were no longer available • Plains Indians turned to missionaries, fur traders, and explorers to obtain supplies • Missionaries taught Indian women how to make quilts

The Beginnings of the Star Quilt • Why did Indian women need to learn how to quilt? – To make bedding, since buffalo hides were no longer available • Began incorporating the symbols seen in the past on buffalo hides into quilting designs

Morning Star • Became the dominant quilt design for Plains Indians • Represents a new day and new beginnings

The Star Quilt • The morning star design is now known as the Star Quilt • Made up of MANY small diamonds

Star Quilt Construction

The Number 4 • A sacred number that represents – The directions of the four winds – The four powers of the universe – The four seasons • Shown in the morning star design – The four directions that the star points • It is common for 4 colors to be used in star quilts

Making Quilting Their Own • Plains Indians have made quilting their own cultural art form • Star quilts have become a very important part of their culture • The star quilt is the modern equivalent to painted buffalo hides

Giveaway Ceremonies • Giveaway ceremonies are seen as hospitality Indian style • Star quilts are given away at many different events – – – – Memorial services Graduations Weddings Funerals Births Powwows Basketball games Naming Ceremonies

Symbolic Meaning of Giveaways • Quilter is spreading love and friendship • Quilter is giving part of themselves to another person • Honors the recipient and the quilter • Recipients experience joy from this gift

What do Star Quilts teach us about Native Americans? • History – Survival • Had to find something to replace buffalo hides – Necessity • Had to have bedding to keep warm • Culture – Morning star symbolism – The sacred number 4 – Giveaways