several tribes from central and west Africa. These groups of African Slaves
labored on plantations located in coastal North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Sweetgrass Baskets are historically significant examples of African cultural heritage that were
transported across the Atlantic by enslaved African people. Africans from the Windward or Rice Coast of West Africa had
knowledge and experience with rice cultivation and were, thus, particularly sought after in the Atlantic
Slave Trade to Lowcountry. Fearing that they might never return to their homeland, these enslaved people brought their
culturewide them in their minds, spirits, and treasured objects hidden away on their bodies.
Sweetgrass Basket Sewing
Viewed as a gift from God Gullah basket weaving has been handed down from generation
to generation, usually learned from childhood. Baskets require a great deal of patience
and creativity, as there are no set patterns.
the supply.
Sweetgrass Basket Sewing
After the 1890's
Sweetgrass Basket Sewing
Viewed as a gift from God Gullah basket weaving has been handed down from generation to
generation, usually learned from childhood. Baskets require a great deal of patience and
creativity, as there are no set patterns.
Each piece is unique, and each artist develops his or her style. Basketmakers pledge to
continue their traditional craft as long as there are raw materials available, but development
or rural areas are threatening
the supply.
One of the Oldest
African crafts in America appeared in South Carolina during the late 17th Century. The first
known baskets in the Lowcountry were fanner baskets used for rice production and processing,
baskets had a very real and significant
cultural connection for the displaced Africans. They were used in the planting and harvesting
of the coastal money crops - rice, cotton, and others. Agricultural baskets were made of bulrush,
sweetgrass, and split oak.
After the 1890's
Sweetgrass baskets began to evolve from agricultural implementations to household items.
Sweetgrass, a softer, finer straw, replaced bulrush as the primary material, longleaf
pine needles were added for contrast, and palmetto
replaced split oak as binders. On plantations, such as Boone Hall in Mount Pleasant, basket-making continued even after slavery ended.
Sweetgrass basket sales surged with the opening of the Grace
Memorial Bridge in 1929 and the paving of Highway17 in 1931.
Mount Pleasant area basket makers began a longstanding tradition
when one lady of vision, Lottie "Winee " Moultrie
Swinton, soon followed by LydiaSpann Graddick, placed her chair
along the highway to display baskets for sale. Thus, roadside basket
stands were born. Sweetgrass baskets are very durable. Their uses range
from practical daily use to showpieces. Basketmakers and their baskets
are major tourist attractions in the Lowcountry. Today, Sweetgrass baskets are displayed for sale @ Historic
Charleston City Market.
Sweetgrass Fesival
The Sweetgrass Festival promotes Gullah culture, heritage, and traditions by celebrating the creativity
of sweetgrass basket makers and other Gullah artists. The Sweetgrass Festival, an annual, family-friendly
event showcases Gullah
Geechee performances, gospel music, folklore, and dance, along with the sweetgrass basket-making demonstrations and
videos on the history of the cherished Lowcountry art. A vibrant array of sweetgrass baskets, paintings, and other
handmade goods are displayed alongside delicious Lowcountry cuisine for all to enjoy.
Changing Times
In 1997, a historical marker was erected to commemorate the legacy and history of sweetgrass baskets
and their makers. The marker was placed at the intersection of Hamlin Road and Highway 17 in the Seven
Mile section of Mount Pleasant,
on the Basket Makers Coalition and the Christ Church Parish Preservation Society.
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion
In July 2009, Mount Pleasant celebrated the opening of the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion at the Memorial
Waterfront Park. This open-air pavilion is a tribute to the generations of men and women who have carried on the Lowcountry
basket tradition for more than three centuries. The facility provides a venue for local sweetgrass basketmakers
to sell their wares. Kiosks and panels tell the history of the craft. As a stop along the Gullah Geechee Cultural
Heritage Corridor, the pavilion gives the public an in-depth look at one of America's oldest and most important
African-inspired arts.