The Quilt as (Non-)Commodity in William S. Yellow Robe Jr.'s The Star Quilter

Abstract

In his play The Star Quilter , Willliam S. Yellow Robe Jr. explores some of the dichotomies and tensions that exist between Native and white cultures. He contrasts the perspectives of Assiniboine quiltmaker Mona Gray with those of an Anglo woman, LuAnne Jorgensen, through quilts and quiltmaking. Mona's interest in patchwork star quilts differs from that of LuAnne, who views the textiles as commodities, material objects to be bought and sold. In addition to discussing the significance of star quilts among Native peoples, this article proposes that Mona's quilts are more than commodities in society: they become conceptual devices that link her to family members, present her personal autobiography, and express her genuine love and concern for others.