star quilt

Rita Belgarde, artist

Cultural affiliations: Sioux

1918–2005

star quilt, 1999

Where object was made: Fort Peck Reservation, Brockton, Montana, United States

Material/technique: Cotton/polyester cloth; quilting

Dimensions:
Object Length/Width (Length x Width): 217 x 161 cm
Object Length/Width (Length x Width): 63 3/8 x 85 7/16 in

Credit line: Museum purchase

Accession number: 2007.2286

Not on display

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Label texts

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.