Nature in the Arts: Basket Weaving

Learn to make your own sweetgrass baskets with Yvonne Grovner, a resident of Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island. The method came with slaves from their West African homelands and almost died out on the island, but luckily, Yvonne fell in love with the craft. She learned the skill from other Saltwater Geechees—now it is your turn to learn. Yvonne’s bright spirit and deep understanding of the history of Sapelo will make this workshop one you won’t soon forget! All basket weaving supplies will be provided, but please bring your own towel and scissors. You’ll leave this class with a small basket of your very own! Cost $55 members, $65 non-member Register at https://secure.onehundredmiles.org/page/contribute/NATAFeb2019BWK

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Paul Meacham @CoastalGATravel

Sweetgrass Basket Weaving

The art of sweetgrass basket weaving is practiced in the Gullah/Geechee Culture Heritage Corridor that spans from the coastal and barrier island communities from North Carolina to Florida. You can find basket weavers here on St. Simons Island, on Sapelo Island and in McIntosh County. The beautiful baskets are each created with a knot to start and then grasses are repeatedly coiled and wrapped with strips of palm frond stems. Many have ornate designs, some have handles and/or lids. They were traditionally used for storing food, fanning rice, and bringing crops in from the fields, among other practical purposes, but now are considered by many to be collectible works of art.