Conversations with a Curator: Sea Grass Baskets

Join Curator of History Chad Stewart and Curator of Historical Archaeology Martha Zierden, in the Lowcountry History Hall as they discuss sea grass baskets in the collections of The Charleston Museum.

Rooted in Africa, coiled baskets of rush, sweetgrass, palmetto and other local materials have been produced by local African Americans since their first arrival in Carolina. The art form evolved from work baskets, principally fanners for threshing rice to an art form produced for sale. The craft endures as an icon of Gullah culture. The History collection includes baskets from the early 19th century, while archaeological excavations have produced the oldest known basket fragment, dating to the late 18th century. Together, they document the long history of this beautiful and durable craft.

Conversations with a Curator allows visitors a chance to have an in-depth look at an object or exhibit in the Museum galleries, ask questions and spark conversations. The Charleston Museum’s collections are both extraordinary and diverse and each Curator-led tour allows participants to immerse themselves in a different aspect of Charleston’s rich history.

This program is free for Members and with admission. For more information, call (843) 722-2996 ext. 235