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.

Title:
Finishing the Head | Digital Traditions 5
Finishing the Head | Digital Traditions
Episode 5

Video

Grades: Higher Education

Boozer discusses the application of the glass eyes to the decoy's head and finishes carving the head. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
How To Make Baskets
How To Make Baskets
Episode 2

Audio

Grades: Higher Education

R.C. Hagan talks about how he makes baskets.
How To Make Baskets
How To Make Baskets
Episode 3

Audio

Grades: Higher Education

R.C. Hagan talks about how he makes baskets.
Hunting Turkey | Digital Traditions
Hunting Turkey | Digital Traditions
Episode 6

Audio

Grades: Higher Education

R.C. Hagan shares his love of hunting. For awhile turkey hunting had stopped in the Piedmont area of South Carolina, so he went hunting in Augusta during the open season.
Quilts | Digital Traditions
Quilts | Digital Traditions
Episode 10

Audio

Grades: Higher Education

Mabel Hagan Is an accomplished quilter. She is pictured with a “Save All” quilt. The rop was made by her grandmother and was given to her as a wedding present. Five or six years later, she and her...