April 17, 2008

Storyteller explores meanings of African-American slave’s Bible quilts　

Freed slave Harriet Powers (1837-1911) is remembered for two unusual appliquéd quilts based on stories from the Bible. Storyteller and researcher Antoinette Botsford explores Powers' life and spiritual philosophy as reflected in her quilts in the presentation, "Talking Quilts, Hidden Stories: The Bible Quilts of Harriet Powers." Ms. Botsford will also display a large replica of one of the quilts. The priceless original hangs in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

The Humanities Washington, Inquiring Mind presentation will be at the Tenino Timberland Library, free of charge, on Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m. Tenino Family Practice is sponsoring the program. The Friends of the Tenino Timberland Library will provide refreshments.

The presentation begins with a Benin creation myth to introduce the pre-slave culture and the implied values that were passed down over the years. Hidden within the quilts are teachings and encouragements that are woven in with well-known Bible stories and African folklore. Botsford discusses the quilt maker’s artistic vision, her connection to African folk arts and the survival of ancient beliefs and traditions. She also touches on the Underground Railroad, the hardships of slavery, the support systems used by slaves and former slaves to help one another, and Powers' evident involvement in the Order of the Eastern Star or a similar organization.

A professional storyteller since 1988, Antoinette Botsford holds a Ph.D. from UCLA in theater history. She chairs the Oral History Project on Orcas Island.

The Tenino Timberland Library is located at 172 Central Avenue W, Tenino, 98589. For more information, please contact the library at (360) 264-2369.　

Revised 04/18/08