Dream Weavers
Brandon Joyner
A Brief History of Sweetgrass Basket Ladies
The art of sweetgrass basket weaving has been passed down from one generation to the next and is a craft learned during childhood. Much practice and patience are required to make these creative baskets and each artist has their own slightly different style. Sweetgrass or Mary’s Grass (scientifically named Hierochloe odorata or Anthoxanthum nitens) is aptly named in that when it is cut, it produces a sweet smell.
These sweetgrass baskets are made of several different kinds of grass—tan sweetgrass, thick dark bulrush and longleaf pine which is woven by long strips of palmetto leaves. Each basket is carefully and meticulously handmade and therefore creates a multitude of variations in size, shape and style which are seen throughout the Lowcountry.
These coiled sweetgrass baskets 1st appeared in the Lowcountry during the late 17th century and are historically significant examples of African cultural heritage transported to the Gullah Island from across the Atlantic. Originally, these baskets were used on plantations for agricultural purposes such as rice production and harvesting. By the 1980s household baskets were being created for use as well as decoration.
Today, sweetgrass basket weaving remains an integral piece of both artistic and cultural fabrics that make up Charleston and the entire Lowcountry, including the 7-mile stretch of Hwy 17 in Mount Pleasant designated as the Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway.
Without the involvement of the entire family, including children, this legend could very well disappear as it is believed that only about two hundred families carry on the tradition. As such, it has become a family tradition where the men and boys will harvest as the women and girls create.
One notable artisan in the field, Mary Jackson has brought worldwide attention to the art and is even displayed in the Smithsonian. She notes that it is the natural evolution of the baskets woven by her mother and grandmother. She brings unique contemporary touches to her pieces which sets her skill apart from many other weavers. It is her precision that makes her stand out and she shows much influence of her years in New York. She has been an immense influence on the sustainability of the grasses for many harvesters in a natural habitat. Together with help from conservationists and the city of Charleston, grasses have been salvaged to preserve the sweetgrass basket tradition. This led to the donation of land at McLeod Plantation where these plants can flourish and continue to grow for years to come.
Additional efforts have been made by other weavers to save this potentially dying art-form. Notably, Corey Alston, a fifth-generation weaver, with over 14 years in his craft. He has created a modern twist on tradition as he seeks to help keep the Gullah tradition and culture alive with his displays at the Charleston City Market. He created the 3D “Build Your Sweetgrass Basket” app which allows customization, cost and craft estimation all in one place. This is his way to keep the “dying artform and... this Gullah tradition alive through modern technology.”
~ Kristen N. Granet