Sweetgrass Baskets: A History of the Art in Charleston, SC

Black History Month Challenge

When we moved to Mt. Pleasant, SC we saw dozens of small wooden stands along Highway 17. Black women sit under their shade and sew together baskets made from local sweetgrass which they hang outside the stands to sell. The baskets intrigued me because they were so beautiful and well made. They have a graceful sturdiness and subtle shades and textures that are quite complex. I wondered how they made a living as there seem to be so many women selling their baskets, although they are all of very high quality. When I learned how much they cost I realized that I would not be decorating my house with them anytime soon.

The baskets have a rich history and tradition. Rice was one of South Carolina's major crops and exports during the Colonial period until the 1900's. Although the climate and the soil were perfect for growing rice none of the plantation owners had any knowledge of this particular crop. They paid high prices for slaves from specific regions of West Africa because of their expertise with rice. These slaves brought their knowledge as well as the craft of basketry.

Originally the men constructed larger baskets made out of marsh grasses for agricultural use. These coiled baskets were used in a technique to "fan" the rice, which separates the grains from the chaff. The women made smaller, everyday baskets for household use. They used native sweetgrass for it's sweet scent to create the baskets. They are coiled and sewn together instead of the more usual weaving technique. Other materials such as palmetto leaves or black rush may be used to enhance the pattern and color of the baskets. It is a difficult and time consuming craft that takes patience and skill. The craft has been passed on from mother to daughter to granddaughter over the centuries. Traditionally the women make the baskets and the men gather the sweetgrass and materials. Now many families participate in all aspects of the art.