Early Gullah Sweetgrass Basket Low Country African-American Folk Art Material Culture

One of the most culturally rich areas of the country is the low coastal area of South Carolina, where descendants of slaves still retain a bit of their roots and skills. One tradition surviving is the sweetgrass baskets still being made by African-American craftpersons who sell their wares along the roads (and increasingly in Charleston shops and boutiques.) It is unusual to find an early sweetgrass basket these days, as collectors prize old examples to contrast with their newer pieces.  Note the wear and patina of the lid, the base and the inside of the basket.  This piece could date to the 1930's or earlier.  When found, the basket was filled with spools of thread, so it was used as a sewing basket.
Collection Jim Linderman