History of Sweetgrass Baskets

I traveled to Mount Plesant, SC, to explore the rich cultural heritage of Sweetgrass Basket Weaving, a tradition deeply rooted in the Gullah Geechee community. Visiting the Lowcountry, especially areas like Mount Pleasant and Charleston, I had the opportunity to meet local artisans who shared their stories and techniques passed down through generations. I learned how this centuries-old craft, brought over by enslaved West Africans, has evolved while preserving its cultural significance. Seeing the intricate designs and feeling the care in each handwoven strand gave me a deep appreciation for the resilience, artistry, and legacy behind each Sweetgrass Basket.

My first stop was going to a Sweetgrass Basket class with an amazing woman who is a 5th generation basket weaver. She started weaving at the age of 8 years old. This skilled craftmanship has been passed on through generations to preserve the Gullah Geechee heritage. Sweetgrass Baskets are made of bulrush, long leaf pine needles, straw and palmetto. Each basket carries the legacy of the ancestors. Making baskets require a great deal of patience. It took me two hours to make this small basket.

Along US Highway 17 is named "Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway" that was designated in 2006, in Mount Pleasant, SC. Along the highway are several Sweetgrass Baskets stands where you can pull on the side of the road and buy unique baskets. Generations of Gullah Geechee artisans sit along the roadside, weaving and telling stories about their amazing family history.

As I was driving down Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway, I saw a young man sitting inside his stand making baskets. I pulled over and purchased a basket. His name is Daniel, of D&D Creations, a 9th generation Sweetgrass Basket Weaver. He has an amazing family history that include businesses and land. Daniel was gracious to provide me a delicious oxtail dinner from his food truck.

After hanging out with Daniel and his family, I located the Sweetgrass Baskets historic marker along Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway. The marker was erected in 1997 by the Original Sweetgrass Market Place Coalition and the Christ Church Parish Preservation Society.

My last stop was to see the Winnowing Hands monument located at the Oakland Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant, SC that honors the history of the Gullah Geechee and Sweetgrass Baskets. The monument was unveiled in May 2008.

Preserving Sweetgrass Baskets is vital for protecting the cultural heritage and identity of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans in the southeastern United States. These handcrafted baskets represent a living tradition passed down through generations, reflecting both African roots and American history. Beyond their cultural significance, sweetgrass baskets hold artistic and economic value, often serving as a source of income for local artisans. Their creation also relies on natural materials like sweetgrass and palmetto, linking the craft to environmental conservation.

By preserving this tradition, we honor the resilience, creativity, and enduring legacy of a community whose stories and skills continue to shape the American cultural landscape.