Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets and Jewelry: Valuable Works of Art
80Sweetgrass Items Display & for Sale in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce's Welcome Center
Sweetgrass Weaving Originated in Africa & Continues in South Carolina Lowcountry
Gullah sweetgrass baskets are coil straw baskets made by the descendants of slaves in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Sweetgrass basket weaving originated in Sierra Leone, West Africa and the process of making them requires patience and creativity as there are no set patterns.
In the Lowcountry descendants of enslaved African people have learned the techniques of weaving sweetgrass baskets from their grandmothers and great grandmothers and now carry on this beautiful Gullah craft and sell their wares to the public in places like Hilton Head Island, Savannah and Charleston, SC.
Though basic skills are handed down through the generations, each artist eventually develops his or her own style of basket making and each piece becomes a unique work of art that can command a high price. For example, a tiny, 3 inch basket can cost $35 and larger ones cost several hundred to a thousand dollars apiece. Gullah baskets come in many shapes, sizes and designs which are limited only by the imagination of those who have learned the art of weaving intricate patterns out of natural materials that grow in swamps and marsh lands.
Gullah Folk Song: "Michael Row the Boat Ashore" Typical Song Sung by Gullah Slaves as They Wove
Master Weaver Michael Smalls Making a Sweetgrass Basket
Sweetgrass Baskets by Michael Smalls and Daurus Niles
Michael Smalls and Daurus Niles are master weavers who currently sell and make their baskets in the Jarvis Room at the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce's Welcome Center on the north end of Hilton Head Island. I met Michael there in January 2012 and had the privilege of watching him weave a new basket and speak about his craft.
Michael says that in addition to being functional and beautiful, the baskets can be a valuable investment that rise in value over time because the raw materials they're made from - sweetgrass, long leaf pine needles and bulrush are becoming more rare as modern day developments impinge on marsh lands. Also, there are now fewer Gullah descendants who know this craft and earn their living through sweetgrass basket weaving.
According to Michael, the baskets are easy to clean and maintain and the only care they require is to occassionally wash them with soapy water and a soft brush and cloth. They should be thoroughly rinsed and allowed to air dry.
In addition to displaying their wares at the welcome center, Michael and Daurus sometimes teach classes and attend local events where they display their wares and talk with the public about the craft.
Each basket takes Michael or Daurus days or weeks to make, depending on its size and shape. Both have been weaving baskets on and off for 41 years and currently make approximately 100 baskets a year.
Michael Smalls was featured on the cover of the January-February 2012 Island Events visitor's guide and he will be participating in the 16th Annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration which is a month-long series of art exhibits, lectures, films, food and craft festivals honoring and preserving the traditions of Hilton Head's native Gullah population. The festival takes place each February.
Michael Smalls once had an angel-shaped vase exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC. Daurus Niles had a serving tray displayed in the same exhibit.
Video About the Art of Sweetgrass Basket Weaving
Gullah Dancers Using Sweetgrass Baskets as Props
Sweetgrass Jewelry: Wearable Art
Sweetgrass weavers also create beautiful jewelry including necklaces, earrings and bracelets and they also create flowers. The following items were on display and for sale at the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.
Sweetgrass Jewelry: Wearable Art
Now that you've learned something about the craft of sweetgrass basket weaving and jewelry, test your knowledge by taking the following short quiz.
Gullah Sweetgrass Basket and Jewelry Quiz
Hilton Head Island
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It's good to see that there are people trying to preserve the Gullah language and basket craft. Thanks for a neat look at the baskets!
Hi Sunnie Day,
So glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it's always fun to watch weavers at work and I love being able to ask questions. Apparantly, weaving with these types of materials takes quite a bit of practice and skill.
I bought a small basket in Charleston several years ago and still keep it on display in my living room. It's filled with small starfish.
Thanks so much for leaving a comment.
Hi RTalloni,
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the photos and thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
I agree that it would be a shame if the unique Gullah culture, language and crafts died out.
Voted up and all across but funny. I love these baskets. I appreciate the hard work that is put in to create these. It is a special talent. They are so beautiful and well designed. I haven't never heard of the Gullah before. This was an interesting read HBN. Hope you aredoing well and keep up the good work my friend. Best wishes.
Sweetgrass baskets are so beautiful! I'm glad people are keeping this craft alive, along with the rest of Gullah culture.
Hi Lyricwriter,
I had never heard about Gullah culture either until I started coming to Hilton Head Island on vacations. I love the way the Gullah ancestors are sharing the culture through the arts and all across the SC Lowcountry, especially on HHI.
So glad you enjoyed the hub. As always, it was a pleasure receiving your comment and support.
Best Regards,
Gail
Hi Kschimmel,
I totally agree. Thanks for leaving such a lovely comment. I'm glad you enjoyed reading about this Gullah tradition and craft.
These baskets are truly beautiful and a work of art. It is so good that the tradition of making them has lived on.
I have never heard of or seen jewelry made in this fashion but it looked very interesting and very beautiful.
The textures and the contrasting colors make these items truly beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful information.
Hi Homesteadbound,
When seen close up one realizes more fully the amount of intricacy and work that goes into these items.
The other thing I like about them is that they are made from natural materials.
Thanks so much for your feedback.
Very good hub. Thanks for taking the time to write it and giving great photos.
This is a very interesting Hub. I really enjoyed all the great photos, and reading the unique article on Sweetgrass baskets!
Hi Francesca27,
So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the kind words.
Hi Hazelwood4,
So glad you enjoyed the hub and photos and I appreciate your taking time to give me feedback.
What a beautiful and interesting hub, Gail. I love baskets. I think I got it from my mother who loved baskets and had quite a collection by the time she died. I love using them around the house. This is such an interesting hub!
The song brought back memories of my parents singing this in the car on long road trips. Voted up and across!
Hi Gail,
Both videos were great especially the second one about making the baskets. This is an art certainly worth keeping alive and learning the history makes it important as well. Up votes!
I so enjoyed this hub about Gullah sweetgrass baskets. Each one is a beautiful work of art that takes amazing patience and skill. We were fortunate to see demonstrations and displays of sweetgrass baskets when we visited Charleston, SC a few years ago, and it was intriguing to watch the artists at work. The video demonstration here is great! Voted up across.
These baskets are so beautiful. I love the look of the jewlery too. I tried basket weaving in school one year and fell in love with it, but was never as talented as this. This is a lost art that needs to be past on...thanks for sharing it.
These baskets are beautiful and it is a shame that some of these arts/craft are being forgotten.
I have two of these baskets, one like the one is holding when he is explaining using the bullrush. They are 20 years old and still as good as ever.
A great hub Gail. Thank you for sharing
What an interesting hub;full of beauty and thank you for sharing.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
This is an art form I'm not familiar with at all. I have never heard of sweetgrass. Very interesting, and informative. Thanks. I voted you Up, etc.etc. Regards
Hi Denise,
So glad you enjoyed it. I've always loved baskets of all kinds, too. It's nice that this brought back sweet memories of your mother's baskets and also of family sing-alongs on road trips.
Thanks for the vote up. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi Peggy,
So glad you enjoyed the hub and videos. I agree that it's good that the Gullah sweetgrass basket weaving tradition is being kept alive by current descendants who learned the art from previous generations.
Thanks for the votes up.
Hi Stephanie,
Am glad you got to see a live demonstration of this wonderful artistic craft when you were in Charleston. The baskets are truly beautiful and must be seen in person to appreciate the detail and quality of them.
Thanks for commenting and for the vote up.
Hi Tlpoague,
I agree that it's a tradition that needs to continue being passed down.
How cool that you used to weave baskets. They say that sweetgrass basket weaving is hard to master and takes alot of experience because it's tightly coiled.
Thanks for leaving such an insightful comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi Rosemay,
So glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciated the interesting comment you left. It's cool that you own 2 sweetgrass baskets and that after 20 years they are still in excellent condition. They have most probably increased in value, too.
Thanks for the feedback.
Hi Eddy,
So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for taking time to leave a comment. I appreciate your ongoing friendship and support.
Hope you have a blessed day.
Hi Mary,
Glad you enjoyed the hub. I'm sure you would appreciate the beautiful patterns and all the work that goes into making these baskets if you ever get a chance to see them. The pictures are nice, but they don't do the real product justice.
Thanks so much for your feedback and your ongoing support. It's greatly appreciated.
This made for such an Interesting Hub read Gail. What a Wonderful History on "Sweetgrass Baskets and Jewelry". They truly are a work of Art, and the time, energy and work that goes into each item, is true dedication. Thanks for the pictures, Quiz, and Education, as well as the Beautiful Video of "Michael Row The Boat Ashore".
Hi b.Malin,
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the kind and specific feedback. It's very much appreciated.
It seems like sweetgrass basket weaving would be very therapeutic. The presenter in the video seemed so calm and centered, and I think the 15 yr old will pick up weaving sooner rather than later! Very, very interesting, unique and uplifting hub about a culture and its history and art. Thanks for sharing, Gail.
Hi Kim,
I think you're onto something about weaving being therapeutic, especially if one sings or hums while doing it. And by the time the basket is finished there will also be something beautiful and tangible.
Thanks so much for your insightful comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Those baskets are beautiful, and the story of the basket making past and present is really interesting. I was amazed by that first video as my father has always loved to sing that song, and I didn’t know the origins of it. Thanks for highlighting the baskets and their makers.
Hi Gail, these baskets are works of art, how I would love to be taught to weave sweetgrass. What a disturbing thought that the raw materials are becoming rarer, it would be so sad if this craft were to die out.
Thank you for sharing and voting up, best wishes Lesley
Hello Gail. This is another of your works of art. You have shared a bit of history here. Photos as always are beautiful.
Amazing art, and well worth the price given the talent, time and technique necessary produce the final piece.
Gail the baskets are beautiful. I love quality hand crafted baskets. There is an organization (don't think it's national yet) called Blessings Baskets. It purchases baskets made from women around the world such as Uganda and pays them a more than fair trade wage, the idea being to get them out of poverty.
When I lived in Mississippi, I knew a woman who was into making pine needle baskets and tried to teach me but I really didn't have the patience. It is definitely an art as well as a craft.
Voted up and awesome and interesting.
Hi Melovy,
So glad you enjoyed it. I didn't realize the origins of the song, Michael Row Your Boat Ashore until I did research for this hub. I've always loved that song.
Thanks so much for your feedback and ongoing support.
Hi Lesley,
Thanks for your thoughtful comment and the vote up which is greatly appreciated. I agree it would be a shame if this wonderful craft died out through lack of materials and/or the next generation not learning it.
Hi Mckbirdbks,
Thanks so much for your kind words and ongoing support which is greatly appreciated.
Welcome AJW,
I totally agree and thank you for taking time to leave such an insightful comment.
Hi Danette,
Thanks so much for leaving a comment that adds information to this hub. I've never heard of Blessings Basket but it sounds like a worthwhile organization.
I doubt I'd have the patience or skill to learn how to weave these baskets but I appreciate how beautiful they are and all the time and effort that goes into making them.
A very beautiful and functional craft, thank you HBN for sharing with us. I would love to be able to create baskets like these. I appreciate the time and skill that goes into every item and it would be such a shame if the craft is lost.
A very interesting hub and my score straight up of 100% is testament to your skill in writing!!! My votes to your HBN.
Hi Fennelseed,
Thanks so much for your lovely comment and the vote up which is greatly appreciated.
I too, would love to be able to create baskets like these.
HBN, I don't care if I am so tired and can't possibly read another hub, if I see one that is yours, I always am sure to check it out. Beautiful photos with well written, interesting history. Thank you for sharing this unique art.
Hi Sharyn,
I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
I always feel blessed and grateful when I read your thoughtful and inspiring comments.
Thanks for all your wonderful feedback and ongoing support which is very much appreciated.
Sweetgrass baskets are my favorite works of art. I am drawn to the simplicity yet beauty of these baskets. Your photos are magnificent. I so enjoyed the videos which add just the right touch to your skillful presentation and history of Sweetgrass Baskets.
Like you - each one is a work of art to be treasured and honored. Voted up and across except for funny. I would love to visit Hilton Head one day. Thank you, lovely lady!
Hi Vocalcoach,
Wow! Your kind words and lovely comment really put a smile on my face today. Thanks so much for your ongoing support and friendship. It means a lot to me.
I agree that the sweetgrass baskets are works of art and something to be treasured.
Hello Gail, I saw some baskets like these when we went to Charleston SC many years ago. I absolutely loved them, and still do. I had never seen the jewelry before now, how interesting and beautiful! Its great there is another use for this kind of art out there.
I would love to go there and see it in person and purchase a piece one day. That would be so nice. Voted up and across except for funny. A really great hub. Paula
Fantastic hub! I always seek out these wonderful types of handmade items at yard sales and flea markets. Great decorative and functional pieces. Loved this one!
Hi Paula,
So glad you enjoyed the hub. Yes, sweetgrass baskets are still sold in the Charleston SC market place.
I had never seen the jewelry before either.
Thanks so much for your ongoing support. It's very much appreciated.
Hi Bobbi,
Am thrilled that you enjoyed the hub. As you say, sweetgrass baskets and jewelry are very functional as well as beautiful and they also last a very long time.
I have been becoming more and more interested in arts and crafts, antiques, baskets, ect. These are great pieces and great for decorative purposes HBN. Well worth a second look. Hope you are doing well:) Take care.
Always so good to see you Lyricwriter,
Thanks so much for the second look and lovely comment. Your friendship and support is very much appreciated.
Fantastic and Well done! I thoroughly enjoyed this hub. The video and photos were great. Most of all, I did not even know about Sweetgrass Basket Weaving. This is a keeper.
Great to see you, Treasuresofheaven,
I'm thrilled you liked it and thank you for your support.
I admire people who have the patience and skill to do crafts like this and it's really nice to know that something which has been passed down the generations is still valued.
Basket weaving is a real art, I have watched it being done and they are so smooth and fluid with their craft as if it were so easy but I know it has taken a long time to master this craft. Thank you for the share. I use to live just outside Charleston a few years back. Great place.
Hi Jackie Lynnley,
Thanks for leaving such an insightful comment. Yes, it is harder than it looks.
I love the Lowcountry and it's been especially beautiful this winter due to the warmer than average temperatures.
This was fantastic and beautiful art works of sweetgrass baskets. I learn new things from you. Thanks for writing and share with us. Vote up (useful, awesome, interesting and beautiful). have a nice day!
Prasetio
Hi Prasetio,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment. I always learn much from you, too.
They are absolutely gorgeous and unique. Great Art.
Thanks for sharing.
Welcome Lady_E,
Glad you enjoyed the hub. They're even more beautiful when you see them in person.
Thanks for taking time to leave such a lovely comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Oh Gail,
I was thrilled to see this (so behind in my reading) as I now know the history behind the very small Gullah Sweetgrass basket I purchased when Geoff and I went to Charleston in 2000. At the time, I simply thought it was exquisitely beautiful (and rather expensive, come to think of it at $25).
Your pictures are fabulously detailed as is your comprehensive history. Voted UP & UABI. Hugs, mar.
Hi Mar,
I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the hub and that you already have a beautiful little Gullah Sweetgrass basket. The Charleston market has quite a large selection to choose from. I purchased my own little basket there around 2004 and filled it with a few star fish. I keep it on a display in my living room.
Charleston is about 2 hours from Hilton Head and is a great day trip from the island. Hope you enjoyed your visit there in 2000.
Thanks so much for the vote up.
I'm looking forward to your new music series. You're brave to attempt 30/30. I always admire hubbers who take that challenge.
Ah, I hope "progress" doesn't continue to destroy the natural products required for these unique baskets and pieces of art. It would be so sad that a generations-old tradition could be lost in such a manner.
Voted up and SHARED.
Hi L.L. Woodard,
I hope so, too, and agree it would be sad if this generations old tradition and craft was lost due to such a cause.
Thanks so much for the vote up and for sharing this hub. It's greatly appreciated.
I had the opportunity to visit the Visitors Center in Hilton Head today and see all of the beautiful work of art Daurus and Michael made. Each basket is made with such love and patience. They also told me that no two baskets are alike and that most of the baskets are done through inspiration from within themselves. Most of the times when they start a basket they don't know what they are going to make. I thought that was neat ... that's what I call true artist who love what they are doing and are determine to keep the tradition alive.
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for leaving a comment that contributes so much to the content of this hub.
I'm so glad you were able to see the beautiful works of art that Daurus and Michael have made. The baskets and jewelry are much more beautiful when seen in person.
Yes, it's wonderful to see artists who put their heart and soul into the work that they do.
I so appreciate you taking time to share your experience with the readers of this hub and hope it encourages others to visit the Hilton Head Island- Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.
Sunnie Day Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago
Hello Gail,
Wonderful hub and the baskets are so unique and beautiful. I love to watch basket weavers and other types of crafts. I find them so interesting. Thanks for sharing a great hub once again.
Sunnie