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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Interviewed by Dale Rosengarten Barbara McCormick talks about where the material they use for their baskets grows.
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Maggie Manigault talks about the "bones" - the tools she uses for basketmaking.
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Franklyn De Loach talks about the process of putting baskets together, from the bottom on up.
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Basketmaker Nathaniel Washington talks about the process of cutting the wood.
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Interviewed by Dale Rosengarten Barbara McCormick talks about the different basketmakers and their unique styles.
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Sue Middleton talks about how she dries materials for the baskets.
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Researcher Dale Rosengarten reads a passage from a Penn School program dating the first year that basketmaking was taught at the school.
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Mary Jane Bennett other family members that weave.
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Basketmaker Marie Manigault talks about teaching her children basketmaking skills.
