This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
This Black artist’s vibrant quilts inspired generations of U.S. artisans
Only two of Harriet Powers’s 19th-century quilts survive today, but their dynamism—and spiritual power—left their mark on American art.
This undated photograph of Harriet Powers is the only confirmed one in existence. Her Bible Quilt attracted many admirers when it was displayed at an exhibition in 1895. One was Lorene Curtis Diver, who wanted to know more about its artist. She tracked down Powers and wrote to her. Powers’s response contains a list of other quilts she created: “In 1872 I made a quilt of 4 thousand and 50 diamonds ... in 1887 I represented the star quilt in the colored fair association of Athens ... I composed a quilt of the Lord’s Supper from the New Testament. 2 thousand and 500 diamonds.” The fate of these other quilts is unknown, and their whereabouts continue to tantalize art historians.
Go Further
Animals
- They’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacredThey’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacred
- Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.
- What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
- They ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found troubleThey ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found trouble
- Mexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlifeMexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlife
- Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.
Environment
- From Radar to AI: The future of conservation
- Paid Content for Advertiser
From Radar to AI: The future of conservation - Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?
- Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realmCliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm
History & Culture
- How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?
- Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.
- These 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in IslamThese 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in Islam
- Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.
Science
- T. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture imageT. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture image
- Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?
- See a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too lateSee a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too late
- How your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharpHow your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharp
- Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.
Travel
- Explore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxesExplore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxes
- Untangling the new national park reservation systemUntangling the new national park reservation system
- How a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradiseHow a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradise
- Paganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditionsPaganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditions