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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Audio transcript for: Roots In Brown's Pottery Norris On His Early Years Norris On His Applied Snake Figures Challenges Of Wood Firing
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Homer Lee "Pappy" Sherrill played his first radio show in 1928. In the 1930s, long before multi-million dollar contracts and lucrative endorsement deals, Sherrill traveled the “Kerosene Circuit.”...
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Pat Ahrens has dedicated over 40 years of her life to supporting South Carolina’s rich folk heritage by promoting bluegrass, old time country and gospel music.
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Pat Ahrens has dedicated over 40 years of her life to supporting South Carolina’s rich folk heritage by promoting bluegrass, old time country and gospel music. A multi-instrumentalist and skilled...
