Foodways are one of the most prevalant community-based art forms in the South. South Carolina history is strongly rooted in agriculture and food has long been an important aspect of economic and social life. From large rice plantations in the Lowcountry to family farms tucked in the hillsides of the Piedmont, food preparation was a large part of daily life. Parents taught children how to prepare vegetables and dress hogs. Different ethnic groups brought recipe variations with them when they settled throughout the state. Germans in the Midlands, French influences on the coast, and Scots-Irish in the Piedmont. More important, recipes synthesized African and Native American influences to create a wholly unique environment.

Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.

For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.

Puddin' Pot Photos | Digital Traditions
Puddin' Pot Photos | Digital Traditions

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The Puddin’ Pot is the folk heritage traditional foodway served on the first Monday the Indian Field Camp Meeting each September. Made in a large iron kettle, different parts of the pig’s head are...
The Joy Drive-In Photos | Digital Traditions
The Joy Drive-In Photos | Digital Traditions

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David Phillips, owner of Joy Drive-In in Gaffney, South Carolina, traces the upstate hash tradition to two sources: farmers who supplemented their income by selling hash on the weekends and the...
Willie Lee Williams Photos | Digital Traditions
Willie Lee Williams Photos | Digital Traditions

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The Ben and Sue Williams’ Family Reunion in Varnville, S.C. is a large affair where people come from all around to taste the famous Williams’ hash. This is a hogshead/liver mix hash cooked without...