Video
Boozer uses a small Buck pocket knife to carve the decoy's head. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.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
Video
This is an excerpt from the program "Folkways: Face Jugs and Folk Pots" narrated by David Holt. Learn more about Burlon Craig and the firing of his kiln from this is an excerpt from the program...Video
Billy Henson's talks about his groundhog kiln, which was a wood-burning treadle or “kick” wheel.Video
Bennett provides a history of basket making at the Boone Hall rice plantation and the uses of the fanner basket.Video
Clyde Ellison, son of famous hashmaster Pee Wee Ellison, talks about the fellowship of hashmaking.Video
Boozer discusses the application of the glass eyes to the decoy's head and finishes carving the head. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.Video
Bennett relates how the children in her family would help her mother make baskets by beginning the bottoms.Video
Boozer describes the painting process and the final touches to complete a decoy. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.