Basketmaking in South Carolina reflects the blending of Native American, European and African traditions to create two predominate types of baskets - the coiled baskets of the Lowcountry and woven baskets of the Piedmont and Blue Ridge. Native Americans used river cane to plait baskets, mats and fish traps. Europeans maintained Old World techniques and forms, adapting them to new materials like white oak to weave their harvest baskets and clothes hampers. On the coast, enslaved Africans brought their knowledge of rice production and introduced coiled basketry using local sweetgrass, bulrush, palmetto, and pine needles. Today, traditional basketmakers have adapted their forms to a changing market and most baskets are made for decorative use.
Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.
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Basketmaker from Awendaw, SC (Charleston County). White is one of several basketmakers who operates a stand to sell her baskets on Highway 17 north of Charleston. White judges a basket by how well its...
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As a youngster, Jeannette Lee learned the art of sweetgrass basket making from her mother and grandmother. The activity was an essential part of her childhood, and often provided a significant portion...
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The document includes transcripts for Maggie Manigault's audio.
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Basketmaker from Mt. Pleasant, SC (Charleston County). Another basketmaker from the legendary basketmaking family of "Manigault Corner." According to Maggie "she has been doing it for so long that she...
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Hammond recalls how he began making smaller baskets after retiring.
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The document includes transcripts for Marie Manigault's audio.
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Basketmaker from Mt. Pleasant, SC (Charleston County). Manigault hailed from one South Carolina's most prolific basketmaking families. The Manigault's have been making sweetgrass baskets for...
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The document includes transcripts for Mary Jane Bennett's audio.
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Basketmaker from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Mary Jane and husband Jessie come from a long line of basketmakers. Mary Jane would make trips to Charleston as a young girl to deliver her mother's...
