All of It
Episode: A History of Black Craft
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Robel Oweka
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction to Robel Oweka and His Book

In this enlightening episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Robel Oweka, a designer, chairmaker, researcher, and the author of the newly released book, A Short History of Black Craft in 10 Objects. Oweka delves into the often-overlooked contributions of Black craftspeople throughout American history, highlighting their ingenuity and cultural significance.

[00:39] Alison Stewart: "This is all of it on WNYC. I'm Alison Stewart. Every object or design has a story. A new book tells the stories of Black craftspeople who have been historically underappreciated."

Discovery of James Newton's Essay and Its Impact

Oweka recounts how his journey began with an essay by historian James Newton, written in the 1970s. This essay profoundly affected him, especially as he observed the lack of representation of Black craftspeople in his field.

[01:19] Robel Oweka: "I'd been working for most of my life in the trades... It was very hard for me to find stories of Black craftspeople just because as I got into furniture making, the field got a lot less diverse than the trades."

This discovery ignited a passion in Oweka to delve deeper, both academically and personally, sustaining his interest in his craft despite the challenges of underrepresentation.

Understanding Material Culture

The concept of material culture is pivotal in Oweka’s work. He explains it as the study of objects from the past, providing a unique lens to understand historical contexts and societal values.

[03:11] Alison Stewart: "Your book deals with what is called material culture. What does that mean?"
[03:14] Robel Oweka: "It's just a fancy way to say objects of the past... the things that people made and used on a daily basis."

Material culture allows for a deeper interpretation of everyday items, revealing the stories and environments of their creators and users.

Harriet Powers' Quilts: Stories in Fabric

One of the prominent objects discussed is the quilts of Harriet Powers, a folk artist born into slavery in Georgia in 1837. Powers' quilts are not merely decorative; they encapsulate narratives and significant events.

[04:28] Alison Stewart: "Harriet Powers, she was a folk artist, a quilter... she depicts an astronomical event."
[04:48] Robel Oweka: "Her central square of her pictorial quilt... depicts the Leonid meteor shower of 1833... it was seen by a lot of enslaved folks as judgment day or the rapture."

These quilts serve as a testament to the strong oral traditions within Black communities, preserving histories and beliefs through intricate designs.

Sweetgrass Baskets and Gullah Geechee Tradition

Oweka explores the sweetgrass baskets of the Gullah Geechee community, highlighting their origins and evolution. Initially used in rice production to separate grains from husks, these baskets transformed into decorative art forms sold to tourists.

[16:07] Robel Oweka: "These baskets were used to separate the rice from the husks... eventually evolved into decorative baskets that Gullah people were selling to tourists."

The craftsmanship involved demonstrates the high level of skill and creativity inherent in what might be considered everyday objects.

Edgefield Potters and the Tradition of Face Jugs

The episode delves into the rich pottery tradition of Edgefield, South Carolina, known for its distinctive face jugs. These vessels, influenced by African menkisi—power figures filled with herbs or objects—symbolize protection and good fortune.

[07:25] Alison Stewart: "Visitors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art will remember an exhibition about Black potters in Edgefield, South Carolin..."
[07:51] Robel Oweka: "Edgefield is known for its face jugs... these vessels are filled with herbs or different objects, kind of like talismanic objects."

This tradition not only enriched the local African American community but also invigorated African spiritual practices within American pottery.

Philip Simmons: America's Blacksmith Laureate

Philip Simmons stands out as a monumental figure in American blacksmithing. Operating in Charleston, South Carolina, Simmons upheld the ornate Charleston tradition while infusing it with personal touches inspired by local wildlife and flora.

[07:25] Alison Stewart: "Stay in Charleston, South Carolina, with Philip Simmons, who you describe as America's 20th-century blacksmith laureate."
[19:54] Robel Oweka: "He carried on the Charleston tradition of beautiful decorative gates and window grills... added features from his childhood, like egrets and palmetto trees."

Simmons' work persisted into the early 2000s, showcasing the enduring legacy of traditional craftsmanship in a modernizing world.

The Front Porch: African Roots in American Homes

Oweka links the ubiquitous American front porch to African architectural influences, particularly from West African residential designs. He points to the oldest evidence of front porches on enslaved dwellings and the spread of the shotgun house style introduced by Haitian immigrants.

[20:05] Robel Oweka: "The oldest evidence of a front porch is on an enslaved dwelling... the shotgun home and the front porch spread throughout the South, influenced by West African residential architecture."

This architectural feature symbolizes community and resilience, rooted in African traditions yet adapted to the American Southern context.

Ann Lowe and the Iconic Wedding Dress

Concluding with a New York story, Oweka highlights Ann Lowe, a third-generation seamstress whose work reached the pinnacle of American fashion history by designing Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress. Lowe overcame significant racial barriers to establish herself as a renowned dressmaker for elite clients.

[21:22] Alison Stewart: "Ann Lowe, a third-generation dressmaker who designed one of the most famous dresses in American modern history, Jacqueline Bouvier's Wedding dress."
[22:46] Robel Oweka: "She had to remake the dress in 10 days... she threatened to turn around and get back on the train with all of the dresses if they didn't let her in through the front door."

Lowe's determination and exceptional skill ensured her place in fashion history, breaking racial barriers and setting high standards in couture.

The Intersection of Craftsmanship and Research

Oweka's background as a self-taught craftsman profoundly influenced his research approach. His hands-on experience with materials and techniques allowed him to interpret historical objects with a practical understanding of their creation and use.

[12:26] Robel Oweka: "A lot, a lot. I think it also just speaks to the journey of a lot of Black craftspeople being self-taught."

This synergy between practice and research enriches his narrative, making historical craftsmanship accessible and relatable.

Illustrations Bring History to Life

The book features beautiful illustrations by Jonalyn Holland, whose collaboration with Oweka brought visual depth to the stories of Black craftspeople. These illustrations complement the textual narratives, enhancing the reader's engagement.

[14:26] Robel Oweka: "Jonalyn Holland, incredible illustrator... she took the stories and ran with it."

Preserving and Celebrating Black Craft

Oweka emphasizes the importance of recognizing Black craftspeople not just as consumers of culture but as innovators and bearers of technological and creative advancements.

[24:07] Robel Oweka: "Black folks were not just the recipients of technology and innovation, but oftentimes were the bearers of it."

He advocates for a renewed appreciation of handwork, encouraging others to engage with crafting as a meaningful hobby or vocation.

Conclusion: A Call to Appreciate Daily Objects

Through A Short History of Black Craft in 10 Objects, Robel Oweka invites readers to view everyday items through a historical and cultural lens, recognizing the profound contributions of Black artisans. By shedding light on these stories, Oweka aims to inspire a deeper appreciation and continued preservation of Black craftsmanship.

[24:07] Robel Oweka: "I hope it's an invitation to maybe try and pursue working with your hands, even if it's just a hobby."

All of It successfully showcases the intricate connections between everyday objects and the rich tapestry of Black history, culture, and creativity.

Notable Quotes

• Robel Oweka [01:34]: "I just didn't know the extent to how outsize the role of Black craftspeople was pre-Civil War."
• Robel Oweka [04:48]: "The quilt is still teaching somebody like me till this day was pretty... it was pretty profound for me."
• Robel Oweka [18:02]: "Craft... how everyday people express creativity, expressed brilliance."
• Robel Oweka [24:07]: "Black folks were not just the recipients of technology and innovation, but oftentimes were the bearers of it."

For more information on Robel Oweka’s work and to explore A Short History of Black Craft in 10 Objects, visit his website or follow him on Instagram at Robel Awake.