Woven Coverlet c. 1938

Manuel G. Runyan made this drawing of a woven coverlet, its date currently unknown. The drawing is a record of traditional craft, raising questions about how such practices are valued and preserved in a changing society. The coverlet's design, with its intricate geometric patterns, speaks to a rich textile tradition, likely rooted in the folk art of a particular community within the United States. Visual codes like the repeating motifs and contrasting colors might carry symbolic meanings specific to the region or cultural group that produced it. The drawing serves as both documentation and perhaps as a means of preserving knowledge of weaving techniques. Understanding this artwork fully requires delving into the history of textile production in the United States, examining the role of craft in shaping local identities, and researching the artist's background. We must consider the social conditions and institutional support that enable these practices to survive. What was Runyan’s relationship with the weaver? Was he connected with a particular craft school or historical society? These are the questions for us to consider.