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
A song from the Ouzts Family Gathering.
Audio
From the album "On the Road to Prosperity" by Roger Bellow and the Drifting Troubadours, 1991. Bellow - guitar and Spanish Dobro, Gordon Terry - fiddle, Don Helms - steel guitar, Bob Sachs - mandolin...
Audio
Lead by Fred Davis. From the recording "I'll Sing His Praise." A vast majority of the audio is unintelligible due to the quality of the recording
Audio
The songs were recorded live, with no microphones in order to enhance a listener’s transportation by the old-style, traditional slave spirituals praising God even though times were dark.
Photo
Ike Carpenter is a third generation woodcarver, cabinetmaker, and carpenter who lives in the small Edgefield County town of Trenton. His grandfather was known throughout the area as a talented...
