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.
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Boozer describes the painting process and the final touches to complete a decoy. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Vintage footage from this 1976 documentary, Bennett talks about business at her basket stand while she demonstrates how she builds up a basket.
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Boozer explains the indigenious nature of the wild fowl decoy. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Boozer explains how he obtains the white cedar for his duck decoys. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Buford Mabry documented by Jack Doyle and his staff at the University of South Carolina Sumter's Center for Oral Narration.
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Basket selling and issues with material scarcity.
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Elbert Brown recalls how farmers used the baskets in the first half of the 20th century.
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Basket discusses who influenced her baksetmaking and the importance of the materials she uses.
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Gullah storytellers often perform folktales that feature animals as the main characters. Aunt Pearlie Sue tells the story of "The Bossy Elephant" in English. After listening, compare how the same...
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Aunt Pearlie Sue tells the story of "The Bossy Elephant" using the Gullah Language.
