Harriet Powers, "Bible Quilt" Fabric, 1898.Powers, Harriet:

(1837-1911) A former slave, Powers was a quilter who told Bible stories and other tales through her work.  A white woman, Jennie Smith saw Powers' quilt and bought it from her.  Years later, Powers was commissioned by the wives of Atlanta University professors.  The quilts became powerful tools for telling bible stories through simple forms and shapes.