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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Leroy Browne explains the process of curing bulrush.
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Mary Jane Bennett talks about curing sweetgrass and bulrush.
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R.C. Hagan shares his love of hunting. For awhile turkey hunting had stopped in the Piedmont area of South Carolina, so he went hunting in Augusta during the open season.
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Marie Manigault talks about where to get basket materials.
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Mary Jane Bennett talks about her baskets from her youth.
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Sue Middleton explains how she decides on the shape of the basket.
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R.C. Hagan talks about the types of woods he uses to make his turkey calls and what makes a good turkey call.
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Leroy Browne talks about gathering materials for class.
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Marie Manigault talks about palmetto and pine needlses
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Mary Jane Bennett talks about selling baskets at fairs and shows.
