Name/Title
PineburrEntry/Object ID
2022.001.001Description
Pine burr design quilt of various feedback styles. In comparison to EDU.2022.005.001, the triangles on this quilt radiate inward while the small square radiates outward.Context
The quilt was donated by the widow of Gene Spencer, Martha Houle. She recalls that Gene had many vivid memories of sleeping under the quilt (which weighs 24 pounds) as he stayed with his maternal grandmother, “Hattie” Tennessee, in Emporia, Virginia.
The family is not sure as to who made the quilt, but attribute it to Hattie.
Pine Burr quilts are also known as Target quilts, Pine Cone quilts, Prairie Points, or Bull’s eye. They are quite interesting in the quilt world as they are one of five types of quilts that are three-dimensional (puff, yo-yo, cathedral window, and “pleated” log cabin). It is constructed by taking a small square and folding it into a triangle, then sewing one edge to the foundation, therefore layering it against other pieces. There is no interior batting or decorative quilting, therefore some people do not see it as a true quilt.
Pine Burrs are mostly associated with African American communities in the southern United States. It can be traced to the mid-nineteenth century, but continues into the modern day.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2022.001Source or Donor
Martha HouleAcquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Harriet "Hattie" Pierson TennesseeAttribution
Attributed toDate made
circa 1930Notes
Dated by Mary Kerr.Condition
Overall Condition
GoodNotes
Large tearing at top of quilt. Should be tacked
