How much are Charleston sweetgrass baskets?
How much are Charleston sweetgrass baskets?
The baskets – brought to the area by West African slaves more than 300 years ago – are a piece of treasured art and Lowcountry culture. The cost of these baskets varies widely, but prices usually start at about $30 for a very small basket and increase to $500 and beyond for much larger pieces.
How long does it take to make a sweet grass basket?
Rigorous craftsmanship and long hours of work are involved in making these baskets. Even for the most experienced basketmaker, a simple design can take as long as twelve hours. A larger more complex design can take as long as two to three months.
How did the tradition of sweetgrass baskets begin in South Carolina?
The Origin of Sweetgrass Baskets This basket-making tradition came to South Carolina in the 17th century by way of West African slaves who were brought to America to work on plantations. Using a type of marsh grass known as bulrush, slaves coiled sturdy, intricate work baskets called fanners.
Where does sweetgrass grow in South Carolina?
Sweetgrass (Muhlenbergia filipes), a long-bladed grass restricted to the coast of the southeastern United States, grows in clumps along the second dune line of the beach, in the boundaries between marshes and woods, and in wet savannahs.
How much do Gullah baskets cost?
Younger generations of the family join in to keep the Gullah culture alive. Typically weavers will sow baskets six days each week with an average basket needing about ten hours to complete. A moderate basket sells for a price around $350 to $375. The time and price increase with the size and design of the basket.
Why do the Gullah make sweetgrass baskets?
Originally bringing skills in rice farming to the coastal region, Gullahs created one of the most successful industries in early America. Shallow sweetgrass baskets were used as winnowing sieves or “fanners” to separate rice seed from the chaff.
What plant is used to make sweetgrass baskets?
According to Coakley, these baskets are constructed from sweetgrass, palmetto, pine needles and bulrush. Originally, they were made from bulrush (rush) and palms, two of the primary materials most often employed in traditional coiled basketry.
What is sweetgrass South Carolina?
What is a Gullah basket?
The Gullah tradition of creating coiled grass baskets is a craft that has been handed down from generation to generation. Instead of weaving the baskets, a needle made from a spoon handle, bone or nail is used to sew natural materials together.
Where can I buy sweetgrass baskets in South Carolina?
One of the best places to find authentic sweetgrass baskets is in the city of Charleston, especially at the Charleston City Market. The market has sweetgrass baskets made by some notable weavers, including Mary A. Jackson, whose sculptural baskets are now held in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Where can I find basket weavers in Charleston?
Some fifth-generation basket weavers display their crafts at the market year-round. In downtown Charleston, you’ll find basket makers weaving and selling sweetgrass baskets every day along Market, Broad and Meeting Streets, and at the Four Corners of Law at the intersection of Broad and Meeting.
Why is sweetgrass used to weave baskets?
As these baskets evolved from agricultural to household items, more and more weavers used the softer, finer sweetgrass instead of bulrush. Because many of these ancient plants are mentioned in the Bible, sweetgrass weaving was historically viewed as a spiritual endeavor, and the skill was regarded as a gift from God.
Who weave Sweetgrass in Mount Pleasant?
Dingle’s granddaughter Kim Youson, who is in her early twenties, often comes to Mount Pleasant to weave sweetgrass. She sat next to Dingle working on her own baskets, which were smaller, thinner, and more modern (differentiated by newer techniques like loops and French knots).
