Photo
Thomas Chandler (1810-1854) was perhaps the most skillful potter to work in Edgefield. Born in Drummondtown, Virginia, he is believed to have been a descendant of John Chandler of Fulham, England, who...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
Photo
Joe Cumbee, a retired tug boat captain from McClellanville in Charleston County, has captured important images of coastal South Carolina on paper and canvas. Mr. Cumbee has filled his free time before...Photo
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...Photo
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...Photo
Basketmaker from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). Washington learned basketmaking from his father, who sold his baskets for around fifty cents each. Though he learned when he was eleven years old...Photo
As a youngster, Jeannette Lee learned the art of sweetgrass basket making from her mother and grandmother. The activity was an essential part of her childhood, and often provided a significant portion...Photo
Basketmaker from Awendaw, SC (Charleston County). White is one of several basketmakers who operates a stand to sell her baskets on Highway 17 north of Charleston. White judges a basket by how well its...Photo
Resident of St. Helena Island, SC (Beaufort County). His father, George Brown, taught basketmaking at the Penn School on St. Helena Island in the early 20th Century. The school was founded in the...Photo
Split-oak basketmaker from Varnville, SC (Hampton County).