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Digital Traditions

Home to a wealth of folk traditions, South Carolina is culturally and geographically diverse. 

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.

Resource Type
Rich Wiliams Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Grades

  • Higher Education
Rich Wiliams Photos | Digital Traditions
Williams operated a pottery operation in the upcountry of South Carolina during the early 1900's. He may have been a descendant of Edgefield freed black potter Milage Williams or he may have learned...
Otis Norris Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Grades

  • Higher Education
Otis Norris Photos | Digital Traditions
Episode 7
Otis Norris, Sandhills Pottery, McBee, Chesterfield County. Interview recorded May 2007. A Kershaw County native, Otis Norris has been turning pots at his current location in Chesterfield County since...
 Roots in Brown's Pottery | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Roots in Brown's Pottery | Digital Traditions
Episode 1
Otis Norris, Sandhills Pottery, McBee, Chesterfield County. Interview recorded May 2007. A Kershaw County native, Otis Norris has been turning pots at his current location in Chesterfield County since...
 Norris on His Early Years | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Norris on His Early Years | Digital Traditions
Episode 2
Otis Norris, Sandhills Pottery, McBee, Chesterfield County. Interview recorded May 2007. A Kershaw County native, Otis Norris has been turning pots at his current location in Chesterfield County since...
 Norris on His Applied Snake Figures | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Norris on His Applied Snake Figures | Digital Traditions
Episode 3
Otis Norris, Sandhills Pottery, McBee, Chesterfield County. Interview recorded May 2007. A Kershaw County native, Otis Norris has been turning pots at his current location in Chesterfield County since...
 Challenges of Wood Firing | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Challenges of Wood Firing | Digital Traditions
Episode 4
Otis Norris, Sandhills Pottery, McBee, Chesterfield County. Interview recorded May 2007. A Kershaw County native, Otis Norris has been turning pots at his current location in Chesterfield County since...