Drunkard's Path Quilt

This quilt was probably made in the 1920s, or earlier, by a member of the Rankin family. It is a block quilt with cream colored background and a red appliqued x-shaped pattern cut and notched to appear irregular. The pattern is known as the Drunkard’s Path, a particular zig zag that is sometimes alternately called Solomon’s Puzzle, the Mill Wheel, Wanderer in the Wilderness, or Rob Peter to Pay Paul.   While the pattern was first seen in quilts in the 17th century, it is actually a decorative motif used in ancient Egypt and Rome. 

Today the pattern is called the Drunkard’s Path because the pattern weaves unpredictably in much the same way that an intoxicated person might navigate from point A to point B. 

It is widely thought, although also disputed, that quilts such as these were made by women who were anti-liquor, as a signifier that they were in support of the Temperance Movement.   Documentary evidence to support this connection is slim but does exist. The question remains how widespread was this knowledge?  It is fascinating to think of women expressing their political opinions through quilt making when still denied the right to vote.

Drunkard's Path Quilt