Woven Doublecloth Coverlet
Date1830-1850
Maker
Enslaved People on Plantation of Thomas Ross (b. 1799)
MediumWool (fiber identification by microscope)
DimensionsOH: 86 1/2" x OW: 70"
Credit LineGift of Julia Ross and Harvey Douglas Ross in honor of Neva Agnes Ross and Barney Douglas Ross
Object number2011.609.4
DescriptionThis is a rectangular bed coverlet woven of wool doublecloth in off-white, dark indigo, and light blue. The design consists of a repeated center field of 7 1/2 inch squares filled with 13 isolated spot motifs resembling tick-tack-toe shapes and groupings of four diamonds. The border on three sides measures about 7 to 8" wide; the border design consists of linear figures resembling parallel tree shapes (a variation on the "Snowball and Pinetree" design). The coverlet is woven of two panels seamed lengthwise. Selvages finish the side edges, with a fringe at the bottom, and a rolled hem at the top. The coverlet is fragile, with some holes and frayed areas. One of the panels has been shortened and hemmed and the other panel has been folded back about 7 1/2" to camouflage wear.
Label TextDouble-cloth coverlets woven in similar designs are relatively common in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. This example is unusual in that it has a tradition of having been woven in the south. According to family history, the coverlet was probably woven by skilled enslaved weavers on Thomas Ross's Kentucky plantation.
ProvenanceAccording to family tradition, this coverlet is believed to be woven by enslaved weavers on a plantation owned by Thomas Ross, who was born in Kentucky in 1799. His son, Thomas D. Ross, was born in Kentucky in 1828, and his grandson, Barney D. Ross, was born in Missouri in 1857. The coverlet descended to the family of donors, Harvey and Julia Ross.
ca.1830
1830-1860
ca. 1830
