Enslaved West Africans who were brought to the South Carolina and Georgia coasts came to an area where plantations were geographically isolated and owners were often absent. These conditions allowed the lowcountry slaves to retain more of their language, beliefs and customs than was possible in other areas. Many traditions were adapted to fit their new settings, yet they remained strong through succeeding generations. The resulting culture has come to be known as Gullah.

Elaborate Dress | Digital Traditions
Episode 1

Video

Marlena McGhee Smalls discusses the reason why the singers wear such elaborate clothing while on stage. From "Voices of the Gullah Culture: Hallelujah Singers." WJWJ-TV Beaufort, SC and SCETV, 1993.
Hallelujah Singers Photos | Digital Traditions
Hallelujah Singers Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Enslaved West Africans who were brought to the South Carolina and Georgia coasts came to an area where plantations were geographically isolated and owners were often absent. These conditions allowed...