The Star Quilt

Star quilts are given to mark important life events, like graduation.

For the Lakota (Sioux) people, the star quilt — wičháȟpi owíŋža — represents honor and generosity.

Design

The pattern is made of small diamonds pieced together in eight sections. These sections join together to create the eight-point star.

The pattern of the star quilt is inspired by the Morning Star. The Morning Star is the last and brightest star in the eastern horizon before dawn. It is believed the Morning Star represents the way the spirits come to Earth and serves as a link between the living and those who have passed.

Historically, star patterns were created with plant dyes and adorned buffalo hides and tipis. When missionaries arrived in the mid-to-late 1800's, they introduced textiles and sewing to Native American women and the star quilt was born.

Presentation

The star quilt’s tradition of honor grew as the quilts were draped around the shoulders of Lakota warriors and hunters when they returned from battle, a successful hunt, or at the start of Haŋblečeya — Vision Quests. It was also presented at funerals to honor loved ones on their final journey.

Today, star quilts are one of the most valued gifts of the Lakota (Sioux) people and are still draped over the shoulders of the recipient to symbolize protection on their journey through life.

Star quilts may be used:

• As banners in schools for graduations and other school functions
• As altar cloths in churches or placed on top of sweat lodges
• To mark momentous life events such as a wedding or a child’s birth
• As a gesture of sympathy to a family honoring the passing of a loved one

Generosity is an important virtue among the beliefs and traditions of the Lakota (Sioux) people. The image of a star quilt serves as a reminder of the significance and honor that comes from giving to others.

Learn more about star quilts in this video from South Dakota Public Broadcasting!