Tools
Anna H. Bomberger (Maker)
Warwick Township, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America
1855-1875
Cotton; Linen
Sewn, Mordant style, Block printed
2013.0031.181
Object Number2013.0031.181 |
Tool (for needlework) (Pinball)
Tools
Museum purchase with funds provided by the Henry Francis du Pont Collectors Circle
Anna H. Bomberger (Maker)
1843-1901
Anna H. Bomberger (1843-1901) lived in Warwick Township, Lancaster County. Her father, Christian Bomberger (1818-98) was a Mennonite bishop and farmer and her mother was Catherine Hess (1819-75). Anna was a direct descendant of Mennonite immigrant Christian Bamberger (d. 1742), who settled about one mile north of Lititz in Warwick Township. Originally from Switzerland, the Bambergers relocated to the Kraichgau region of the German Palatinate to escape persecution and in 1722 immigrated to Pennsylvania. Many of the female descendants were talented needleworkers, including Anna H. Bomberger. According to Hess, “the sheer challenge of stitching together tiny patches to create a sphere appears to be likely motivations for the creation of these eccentric pieced balls.” Similar pieces have primarily been found in northwestern Lancaster County, dating between circa 1830 and 1900. (Lisa Minardi, 10/16/2013)
Warwick Township, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America
1855-1875
Cotton; Linen
Sewn, Mordant style, Block printed
Hand-sewn
Text available soon.
[Book] Hess, Clarke. 2001 Mennonite Arts.
• See p. 50 for a nearly identical example.
[Catalogue] Minardi, Lisa. 2015 A Colorful Folk: Pennsylvania Germans & the Art of Everyday Life.
• Published: fig. 31, p.29