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Ms. Maria Rosa-Garcia is a traditional folk dancer from Mexico. She learned the art as a child from her family and currently teaches young children how to dance at a church in Saluda County, South...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.
Within this Series
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Maria de Jesus de Santiago was born in Jalisco, Mexico. She moved to South Carolina in the late 1990s and brought with her a love of folkloric Mexican dance. She began learning the art when she was a...Photo
Mr. and Mrs. Daughtery are American square dance performers and enthusiasts. Originally from Illinois and Virginia, they moved to Greenwood County in the mid-1990s. They began their journey over...Photo
The South Carolina Piedmont has often been referred to as “The textile center of the world.” Alda Smith’s musical heritage is woven from the influences that migrated throughout the Piedmont during...Photo
Philip Simmons exemplified the Charleston blacksmithing tradition as a master craftsman, passing his knowledge and skills to several generations of apprentices. His specialty was creating decorative...Photo
According to Art Carter of The Sporting Craftsmen, George Herron was widely regarded as the “Grandaddy of South Carolina knifemakers.” Herron certainly maintained his place as one of the standard...Photo
For over twenty years, Bobby Branton has honed a skill that is still practiced by very few people across the United States. He is a bladesmith who hand-forges blades for knives in the traditional way...Audio
Dr. Charles Zug describes the chaos that occurs when Burlon Craig sells his pottery. Burlon Craig (1914-2002), Craig Pottery, Vale, Lincoln County, North Carolina. Craig is an example of the migration...Photo
Burlon Craig (1914-2002), Craig Pottery, Vale, Lincoln County, North Carolina. Craig is an example of the migration of the alkaline-glaze tradition that originated in the Edgefield District of South...Photo
Walter Lee Cornelison is a fifth-generation potter, turning wares in Bybee Pottery - Kentucky’s sole surviving traditional pottery. Cornelison turns on a wheel set up inside the old log pot shop while...