Woodworking

At one time woodworking was one of the most common crafts of the American South. All aspects of carpentry and carving, including the selection of wood, were traditions passed from parent to child. Woodworking was an essential skill in rural South Carolina. Before rail transportation, inland residents had little access to imported wares. Local craftsmen made most of the basic furniture and household items – bureaus, chests, tables, chairs, utensils, mixing bowls, benches – the variety is endless. Vernacular furniture was often hand-hewn from native woods. Carved items used for hunting include bird decoys and bird calls. Whimsies, toys, and walking canes were also carved in abundance. While these objects were utilitarian by nature, most of them also incorporated ornamentation that reflected individual and communal artistic expression.

Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.

For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.

Ike Carpenter Photo Gallery | Digital Traditions
Ike Carpenter Photo Gallery | Digital Traditions

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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...
Jennings Chestnut Photos | Digital Traditions
Jennings Chestnut Photos | Digital Traditions

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Jennings Chestnut evolved into a master builder of mandolins, banjos, violins, and guitars. Born in 1942, Chestnut had been a fan of bluegrass music since he was six years old. During the 1950s...
Jesse Powell Photos | Digital Traditions
Jesse Powell Photos | Digital Traditions

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Mr. Jesse Powell is a 4th generation woodworker and wood artist. He learned the art of woodworking from watching other family members and has been exposed to this art since he was a child. He uses...
Judson Madden Photos | Digital Traditions
Judson Madden Photos | Digital Traditions

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Wood carver from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). He carves figurines out of wood including flowers, squirrels, and roosters. His wife, Frances, assists him with painting and arranging the carved flowers...
Judson Madden Photos | Digital Traditions
Judson Madden Photos | Digital Traditions

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Wood carver from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). He carves figurines out of wood including flowers, squirrels, and roosters. His wife, Frances, assists him with painting and arranging the carved flowers...
Neil Cost Photos | Digital Traditions
Neil Cost Photos | Digital Traditions

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Greenwood native Neil Douglas Cost was regarded by many as the premiere turkey-call maker in the United States. According to Donna Branch of the National Wild Turkey Federation, “No call maker has had...
Other Types of Wood to Use | Digital Traditions

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Wood carver from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). He carves figurines out of wood including flowers, squirrels, and roosters. His wife, Frances, assists him with painting and arranging the carved flowers...
Some Specifics on Carving | Digital Traditions

Audio

Wood carver from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). He carves figurines out of wood including flowers, squirrels, and roosters. His wife, Frances, assists him with painting and arranging the carved flowers...