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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
 Son is a Weaver | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Son is a Weaver | Digital Traditions
Episode 2
Sue Middle taught her son how to weave, but he hasn't quite taken to the art form like she would have liked.
Types of Baskets | Digital Traditions
 - Episode 4 How To Make Baskets

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
How To Make Baskets
Episode 2
R.C. Hagan talks about how he makes baskets.
Types of Baskets | Digital Traditions
 - Episode 4 How To Make Baskets

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
How To Make Baskets
Episode 3
R.C. Hagan talks about how he makes baskets.
Types of Baskets | Digital Traditions
 - Episode 4 Hunting Turkey | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Hunting Turkey | Digital Traditions
Episode 6
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

Audio

Grades

  • Higher Education
Quilts | Digital Traditions
Episode 10
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...
The Hagan's Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Grades

  • Higher Education
The Hagan's Photos | Digital Traditions
Native of Donalds, SC (Abbeville County), Mr. Hagan made split-oak baskets, axe handles, and turkey calls while Mrs. Hagan is an accomplished quilter. Mr. Hagan learned to make split-oak baskets as a...
Sue Middleton's Photos

Photo

Grades

  • Higher Education
Sue Middleton's Photos
Basketmaker from Mt. Pleasant, SC (Charleston County). After quitting her job to sew full time, Middleton was soon making baskets that were especially adventuresome. She turns out huge, heavily...