Charleston Sweetgrass Baskets: Meet the Artist Keeping a Lowcountry Tradition Alive
Charleston sweetgrass baskets are one of the most recognizable traditions of the Lowcountry. These hand-woven works of art carry centuries of history, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Today, Charleston artist Corey Alston continues that legacy while sharing the story behind this iconic craft.
Corey Alston knows a thing or two about preserving tradition. A proud Gullah Geechee native, he teaches others about his heritage through cooking classes, workshops, and community storytelling. However, his greatest passion lies in weaving sweetgrass baskets, a craft his family has practiced for nearly five generations.
Visitors can often find Corey at the Charleston City Market, where he creates and sells these remarkable baskets. His warm personality and passion for the culture make every interaction memorable.
The History of Charleston Sweetgrass Baskets
Sweetgrass basket weaving has deep roots in the Lowcountry. The craft traces back to West African weaving traditions brought to the region during the period of enslavement.
Over time, the Gullah Geechee community preserved and passed down these techniques from generation to generation. Today, descendants of those original artisans continue the craft.
“You won’t find baskets like this anywhere else in America,” Corey explains. “The skill came from West Africa, and the Gullah people have kept the tradition alive.”
A Smithsonian Commission
Among Corey’s many creations, one project stands out.
He created a custom sweetgrass basket for the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC. The piece took more than four months to complete and measured 33 inches tall and 33 inches wide.
Corey titled the work From Traditional to Contemporary.
“The museum asked me to create a piece that represented Gullah heritage at a national level,” he says. “It was a tremendous honor.”
How Sweetgrass Baskets Are Made
Creating a traditional basket requires patience and careful preparation.
First, artisans harvest the raw materials, which often include sweetgrass, bulrush, pine needles, and palmetto leaves. After gathering the materials, they must dry for several weeks.
Once ready, the weaving process begins.
Corey spends long days working on his craft. He often weaves 12 to 13 hours a day, including time spent demonstrating the process at the Charleston City Market.
A Five-Generation Craft
As a fifth-generation weaver, Corey continues a long family tradition.
Although the technique has existed for more than 300 years in the United States, every artist develops their own stitching style.
Because of this, no two baskets ever look exactly the same.
“Everyone has their own stitch,” Corey explains. “That means every basket is one of a kind.”
How to Identify Authentic Sweetgrass Baskets
Authenticity matters when purchasing these traditional baskets.
According to Corey, the easiest way to know a basket is genuine is to see the artist weaving it.
Some stores sell imported imitations that resemble the traditional style. However, authentic baskets come directly from Gullah artisans.
“If you want the real thing,” Corey says, “buy from the person actually making it.”
Visitors can find authentic baskets at:
• Charleston City Market
• cultural festivals
• visitor centers
• historic landmarks
Where to See Charleston Sweetgrass Baskets
Visitors can meet Corey Alston seven days a week at the Charleston City Market, where he continues to weave and share the story of this cultural tradition.
Guests can watch the process firsthand while learning about the history behind the craft.
To learn more about Corey’s work and Gullah culture, visit:
thegullahculture.com
