If you have been to the Smithsonian Institute you cannot help but to notice the Bible Quilts. They are absolutely stunning and have a very fascinating history. To this day there is still speculation and discussion as to the true meaning behind the Bible Quilts and the stories that are being told. It is a prime example of how quilts really do have a history and are a piece of art work that has come to life.

Harriet Powers is the quilter of the Bible quilts. She sewed them with appliqué and piecework to create squares of pictures for story telling. Some say that the stories represent religious influences. Others say that because the slave was illiterate that she used the quilts as a teaching tool. Still others speculate the stories are about a secret fraternal organization of her time. No-one will really know for sure.

Why are these quilts so popular and such a big hit? They are one of the first examples of using quilts to tell a story. The images are bold and colorful. They are Biblical and Celestial Themes. As with any art form, these quilts’ meanings are widely interpreted by whoever is viewing them.

It is reported that in 1886, Harriet Powers displayed the quilts at a county fair. She was offered money for them but refused. However, in 1891 she was struggling for money and sold the quilts for $5.

The second quilt in the collection has mysterious origins. There is speculation that it was ordered by faculty member wives at Atlanta University after they saw the first one at the fair. Regardless, the quilt ended up being given to chairman of the board of trustees for the University. Later after his passing, the family members sold the second quilt to Maxim Kardik who then donated it to the Smithsonian Institute.