Sweetgrass Basket

[Marcepstein]

This is a closeup of the bottom of a handmade “sweetgrass basket” from the Sea Island Region of coastal South Carolina. The basket is made with native plants and the weave pattern is traditional “Gullah” culture from that region. Looking closely at the weave and materials, the dark brownish clockwise bands originating in the center is pine straw (Pinus spp) – likely longleaf or loblolly (P. palustris or P. taeda). The adjacent lighter banding is sweetgrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) or bunchgrass (Spartina bakerii). The wide bands that move from center outward holding the bands together are strips off of palmetto fronds (Sabal palmetto).

Rik, if this image doesn’t fall within the “closeup” guidelines, please delete.

[Chris S.]

No one is going to delete this--it's marvelous. Thanks in particular for identifying the materials used in this basket.

--Chris S.

[Marcepstein]

Thanks Chris, nice comment.