star quilt, Rita Belgarde

Exhibition Label: “Quilting Time and Space,” Jun-2010, Rachel M. Harris and Robin Leigh Bang Products of reservation life, Sioux star quilts replaced buffalo skin blankets and continue to be an important part of contemporary American Indian culture. A symbol of prestige and belonging, the star quilt is an important gift-giving element of Sioux life-cycle events such as births, weddings and funerals. Quilt making has become a measure of status among women in a tribe. As the star quilt has gained importance in Sioux life, women have achieved greater influence in carrying on the culture. Typically, one 8-pointed star is created from diamond-shaped pieces of cloth, acting as the central focus of the quilt. This “morning star” is reminiscent of buffalo robe designs, but also resembles 18th century Anglo-American patterns. The morning star symbolizes a link between the living and their ancestors. Through this imagery, star quilts are tied to Lakota cosmology, which reinforces the importance of the quilt in Sioux culture.