Digital Traditions

General - Traditional Arts

Home to a wealth of folk traditions, South Carolina is culturally and geographically diverse.  From the Appalachian Mountains to the Sea Islands and from rural crossroads to urban centers, the state boasts rich sources of traditional culture and folklore. Rooted in family and community activities, folklife involves expressive forms of many kinds that are communicated verbally and by observation or imitation.  Folk artists can learn through apprenticeships, but most often are taught informally by family members or close friends. This sharing of information can occur in many different group settings - familial, occupational, religious, social, and educational. Folklife is dynamic by nature, a part of a community's history that continues to develop every day, with every generation.  

Digital Traditions was developed to provide access to the Folklife Resource Center (FRC) at McKissick Museum.  For thirty years, deeply rooted traditions like quilting, pottery, basketry, communal foodways, and folk music have been documented through audio, video, and photography. For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.

Basket Styles | Digital Traditions
Episode 1

Video

Bennett discusses new designs, special occasion baskets customers request, and uses of pine needle, sweetgrass, and palm in basket weaving.
Basketmaking Materials | Digital Traditions
Episode 1

Video

Snype and Eartha Lee Washington find more value and meaning in using the traditional sweetgrass than the more widely available bulrush. Video is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South...
Burlon Craig | Digital Traditions
Episode 1

Video

This is an excerpt from the program "Folkways: Face Jugs and Folk Pots" narrated by David Holt. Burlon Craig (1914-2002), Craig Pottery, Vale, Lincoln County, North Carolina. Craig is an example of...
Climate | Digital Traditions
Episode 1

Video

Classic joke/skit by Greasy Medlin and Snuffy that was a standard during their medicine show days. From the "Pickin' Time" program on WIS-TV in Columbia, 1974.
Elaborate Dress | Digital Traditions
Episode 1

Video

Marlena McGhee Smalls discusses the reason why the singers wear such elaborate clothing while on stage. From "Voices of the Gullah Culture: Hallelujah Singers." WJWJ-TV Beaufort, SC and SCETV, 1993.