Digital Traditions

General - Traditional Arts

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.

Oliver Jones "Pete" Clayton Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Grades

  • Higher Education
Oliver Jones "Pete" Clayton Photos | Digital Traditions
George L. Clayton, father of Oliver Jones "Pete" Clayton (1906-1988) founded Clayton Pottery in the Greenville/Spartanburg area around 1912. Pete was the only one of his father's four sons that became...
John Henry -1 | Digital Traditions Old Black Dog | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
Old Black Dog | Digital Traditions
A song from "Heritage Corridor: Traditional Music from the South Carolina Heritage Corridor": Old Black Dog.
John Henry -1 | Digital Traditions Steamboat | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
Steamboat | Digital Traditions
A song from "Heritage Corridor: Traditional Music from the South Carolina Heritage Corridor": Steamboat