QUILT INDEX RECORD

31-27-204

Who documented this quilt?

South Africa Quilt History Project; Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela; The Black Diaspora Quilt History Project

Where are the records for this quilt housed?

South Africa Quilt History Project

South Africa Quilt History Project Number:

CHSLM328

Person filling out this form is:

Quiltmaker

When was the form filled out?

2014

This is a:

Finished quilt

Quilt's title:

Madiba's Freedom

How wide is the quilt?

30"

How long is the quilt?

30"

Shape of edge:

Straight

Predominate colors:

Beige or Tan; Blue; Brown

Overall condition:

Excellent/like new

Time period:

2000-2025

When was the quilt finished?

February-May 2014

Describe the quilt's layout:

Nontraditional or art

Subject of the quilt:

Nelson Mandela

Fiber types used to make the quilt top:

Cotton

Describe the fibers or fabrics in the quilt top:

Threads, Shwe-Shwe, Felt

Describe the techniques used to make the quilt top:

Hand and machine sewing, felting.

Quilt top made by:

Arbeter, Karin

Quilted by:

Arbeter, Karin

Where the quilt was made, city:

Johannesburg

Where the quilt was made, country:

South Africa

Quilt is presently used as:

Artwork/wall hanging

Exhibitions where this quilt was displayed:

Consceince of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela; International Quilt Conference Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa, July 2014

Related items such as diaries, obituaries, wills, household inventories, or pictures of the quiltmaker:

MacDowell, Marsha; Mazloomi, Carolyn. Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela. Michigan State University Museum, East Lansing, 2014; page 29.

Ownership of this quilt is:

Private

Quilt owner's name:

Karin Arbeter

Quilt owner's city:

Johannesburg

Quilt owner's country:

South Africa

Quiltmaker's gender:

Female

Quiltmaker's ethnic background/tribal affiliation:

South African

Quiltmaker's city:

Johannesburg

Quiltmaker's country:

South Africa

Description of quilt:

Karin Arbeter
Madiba’s Freedom
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Cotton fabrics, cotton thread, Shweshwe, felt; hand and machine quilting, felting

As I walked out the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison. — Nelson Mandela

This work depicts the almost surreal life of South Africa’s most coveted statesman who fought for and won freedom for all South Africans. During the years of the struggle against apartheid, Madiba was captured and sentenced to life imprisonment where he was subjected to degradation. He moved from freedom to imprisonment, then back from imprisonment to freedom; from breaking stones, as a prisoner, to becoming the respected leader of our beloved country. His ability to forgive and love is legendary.

The left side of this quilt depicts freedom: the right side imprisonment. The piece reflects Madiba’s passion for the African prints that were used in the shirts that became his personal fashion statement. A variety of threads sewn over layered African prints reflects the uniqueness of Madiba. The felted fabric around the edge and collaged layers reflect the historical strata and complexity of South Africa during his remarkable life. The shapes of the prints are reminiscent of traditional African shields and assegais. The inclusion of Shweshwe material, produced in South Africa, reinforces the “African-ness” of the piece.

Who photographed this quilt?

Dion Cuyler

Access and copyright information:

Restricted

Copyright holder:

The copyright belongs to the owner/artist.