At one time woodworking was one of the most common crafts of the American South. All aspects of carpentry and carving, including the selection of wood, were traditions passed from parent to child. Woodworking was an essential skill in rural South Carolina. Before rail transportation, inland residents had little access to imported wares. Local craftsmen made most of the basic furniture and household items – bureaus, chests, tables, chairs, utensils, mixing bowls, benches – the variety is endless. Vernacular furniture was often hand-hewn from native woods. Carved items used for hunting include bird decoys and bird calls. Whimsies, toys, and walking canes were also carved in abundance. While these objects were utilitarian by nature, most of them also incorporated ornamentation that reflected individual and communal artistic expression.
Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.
For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.
Photo
Archie Hunter of Florence belonged to the third generation of a family of traditional chairmakers. His grandfather began selling his handmade chairs to supplement the meager income from his Kershaw...
Audio
How he went from carving canoes to carving larger boats in detail
Audio
Wood carver from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). He carves figurines out of wood including flowers, squirrels, and roosters. His wife, Frances, assists him with painting and arranging the carved flowers...
Audio
He also carves wooden spoons with various human head shapes on the handle
Audio
His interest in hunting influences what he chooses to carve
Photo
Charles "CeCe" Williams has been making handcarved walking canes for over twenty five years, and cast nets since he was a boy growing up fishing with his father in McClellanville. As Chief Detective...
Document
Ahrens, Pat All Male Chorus of Blacksburg Arnold, Mac Ayers, Sara Basket, Nancy Baylor, Amos Bellow, Roger Bennett, Mary Jane Benson, JD Blackwell, Richard Boggs, Horatio Manning Bollack, James Booker...
Audio
His feelings on the disadvantages of painting wood carvings.
Audio
Jennings Chestnut relates how he was first introduced to bluegrass music...
Photo
Wood carver in Walterboro, SC (Colleton County). He decided to take up wood carving after his friend Kirby Evans introduced him to the craft. Interview conducted by Michael Chiarappa.
