Royal Hawaiian Flag Quilt

After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893, flying the Royal Hawaiian Flag became an act of treason against the new government. Hawaiian quilt makers began incorporating the flag into their quilts and hiding the quilts in their homes. These quilts have been charised and passed down through generations by many Hawaiian families. While it has become generally accepted by historians that the majority of Royal Hawaiian Flag quilts were made after 1893, there is growing evidence to suggest that flag quilts were made as early as 1843. This one is dated to April 4, 1889, making it earlier than most atypical for the genre. This quilt has a variation of the Hawaiian coat of arms with wreath and crown in red and tan against a white background.

Techniques: Hand pieced, hand appliqued, hand quilted
Culture: American
Geographic Location: North and Central America - United States
Credit Line: Gift of Helen Caswell