CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. – One of the Lowcountry’s most cherished cultural traditions will be honoured next month, as the community prepares for another celebration of sweetgrass basket weaving, a historic art form rooted in Gullah Geechee heritage.
Kiawah Conservancy Hosts Sweetgrass Distribution Event
The first event took place this past Sunday at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, where the Kiawah Conservancy held a Sweetgrass Distribution Day. Local sweetgrass basket makers were gifted freshly harvested sweetgrass—a vital material used in the centuries-old tradition of basket weaving.
“Today, what we did was we donated harvested sweetgrass that we were growing on a farm on Johns Island,” explained Sean Cannon, Restoration and Enhancement Specialist with the Kiawah Conservancy. “We hand-cut all of the sweetgrass we could with volunteers—almost 350 plants—and then we bundled them to give away to local basket weavers.”
Volunteers and visitors joined in to help distribute the grass and to learn about the cultural significance and history behind the baskets, which are handmade using techniques passed down through generations of Gullah Geechee artisans.
Sweetgrass Basket Making: A Deeply Rooted Tradition
Sweetgrass basket making is one of the oldest surviving African art forms in the United States. Brought to the Lowcountry by enslaved West Africans, the practice has remained a symbol of strength, creativity, and cultural pride for generations of the Gullah Geechee people.
These baskets, known for their intricate detail and durability, are traditionally made using a mix of sweetgrass, bulrush, pine needles, and palmetto fronds. Today, they are widely recognized as works of art and cultural history—many are even on display in museums and cultural institutions.
Second Sweetgrass Distribution Event Set for September 11
If you missed the first event, there’s another opportunity to take part. A second Sweetgrass Distribution Day is planned for September 11 and will be held at the Sweetgrass Pavilion in Mount Pleasant. The pavilion serves as a community hub and tribute to the sweetgrass basket makers who have long shaped the region’s culture.
This follow-up event will continue the efforts to support local artisans, raise awareness, and celebrate the Gullah Geechee heritage that has made sweetgrass basketry such an important part of Lowcountry identity.
Honouring History and Supporting Local Artisans
Event organizers say these distribution days are about more than just providing materials—they are about preserving a living history and empowering those who carry it forward.
“It’s about honouring the deep roots of the tradition, supporting the people who keep it alive, and helping others understand why it matters,” said Cannon.
These gatherings also create a space for education, community engagement, and cultural pride, allowing younger generations and visitors alike to learn directly from master weavers.
The Lowcountry continues to take meaningful steps toward preserving its cultural heritage through community-led efforts like the Sweetgrass Distribution Day. By supporting Gullah Geechee artisans and educating the public, events like these ensure that the art of sweetgrass basket weaving remains alive and thriving for generations to come. Be sure to mark your calendars for September 11 to experience and honour this treasured tradition firsthand.
