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.
Audio
Beachy-Amish Mennonites who live in Cold Springs, S.C. (Abbeville County). Sadie is an accomplished quilter.
Photo
A native of Lyman in Spartanburg County, Henson came from a long line of traditional potters. Both his grandfather, Jesse Vardry Henson, and his great-uncle, David Carr Henson, were folk potters in...
Audio
Leroy Browne explains how the bulrush was dried, but the palmetto was kept green.
Audio
Ruby and Estelle discuss how relaxing it is to quilt.
Audio
Story of girls whose mother didn’t want them to speak Gullah
Photo
Beachy-Amish Mennonites who live in Cold Springs, S.C. (Abbeville County). Sadie is an accomplished quilter.
Audio
Leroy Browne explains the modern restrictions on gathering bulrush. He can no longer freely go in the creek and marsh to gather materials since the lands are protected.
Audio
Mabel Hagan Is an accomplished quilter. She is pictured with a “Save All” quilt. The rop was made by her grandmother and was given to her as a wedding present. Five or six years later, she and her...
Audio
Ruby and Estelle discuss an afghan Rineheart is especially proud of, and using small scraps and making something out of it.
