Mary Charles of Mt. Pleasant recalls learning how to create sweet grass baskets from watching her grandmother. She is a part of the 4th generation of known basket makers in her family, and is proud that her daughter and grandchildren are continuing the craft. Her grandmother is a descendant of the Manigualt family of Charleston, but is not sure of her exact ancestral origin other than along the West African Coast. Her baskets, composed of bull rush, sweet grass, palmetto frowns and pine follow traditional patterns that have been passed down over the years. Mary puts her own “twist” in some of her creations, creating one of a kind looks that allow her to express her talents.
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