FREEDOM QUILTS BY JASMINE THOMPSON. A PIECE OF HISTORY Codes where very important to slave to escape or even talk to each other without the slave “owners”

FREEDOM QUILT

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BY JA

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P S ON

A PIECE OF HISTORY

Codes where very important to slave to escape or even talk to each other without the slave “owners” knowing what their saying. They memorized each symbol, pattern, and beat. Most quilt patterns originate from Africa. All quilt patters, beats, and symbols are passed down orally. All quilt patters in a special order relayed messages to slaves. Mrs. Ozella McDainel is a quilts enthusiast.

COMMON PATTERNS

The most common patters are:

• “Monkey Wrench”

• “North Star”

• “Cross Roads”

• “Wagon Wheel”

THE QUILTS

Specific patterned quilts slung over a fence or windowsill passed on the most important info to slaves.

THE QUILT

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MONKEY WRENCH

The monkey wrench pattern means gather all tools necessary/required for a long journey; theses tools include physical tools, mental tools, and spiritual tools.

NORTH STAR

It has two meanings:

1. Prepare to escape

2. Follow the north star to Canada

CROSS ROADS

This pattern is referring to Cleveland or Ohio because every route the slaves take they end up here at one point.

WAGON WHEEL

It means pack all the things that will go on a wagon.

This pattern means take a mountain trail or follow a bears path.

BEARS PAW

DRNKARD’S PATH

A warning signal to take a zig-zag path route to elude pursuing slave hunters and their hounds that are in the area. A slave travlling south would not be suspected of escaping.

THE LAST PART

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WHEN QUILTS FIRST WHERE MADE

Its not known for sure when the first quilt was made and by who but the first coded quilt became popular with american’s in the 1990’s.

CONCLUSION

There is no written proof about the quilt code history, because it was passed down orally not in print so slave owners didn’t know what their saying.

Any questions?