In fact, this is part of what makes us unique. In these ways, African American women particularly have created wonderful pieces of art that chronicle their struggles and individual victories. Some of the most impressive pieces are those that were created in resistance and within full view of their oppressors. In total, the arts and music were ways in which both African American and white women preserved their heritage and sustained hope during unbearable times. Every great quilt, whether it be a patchwork, appliqu , or strip quilt, is a potential Rosetta stone.
Quilts represent one of the most highly evolved systems of writing in the New World.
The book examines the use of quilts as tools for communication and encouragement for fugitive slaves that were using Harriett Tubman's Underground Railroad. The book is particularly good in that it details the importance of the quilts as well as the ways in which the quilts were used, in full view of the slave owners to provide instructions to the runaway slave. The images above are just a few that are included in the book. Another way in which Negro women were able to keep their faith in the midst of the hardships of slavery was to sing. Here are a few suggested sites for abolitionist and suffrage music.