Sweetgrass baskets are historically an African cultural heritage. The art was transported by enslaved Africans from the rice coast of West Africa. Rice cultivation was sought after in the Atlantic Slave Trade to the Lowcountry of SC. These slaves feared they may never return to their homeland, brought their culture with them.
 

Sweetgrass basketry is one of the oldest African crafts in America. The art appeared in South Carolina during the late 17Th century.

The first known baskets in the Lowcountry were Fanner baskets used for winnowing rice.
 

The development of rural areas, threatens the supply of the raw materials Basketmakers are committed to continuing their sweetgrass craft.as years approach.

Agricultural baskets were made of bulrush, sweetgrass and split oak. A nail bone is a tool used in sweetgrass sewing. Bulrush and palms are two of the main ingredients and are ancient plants found in the Bible. Sweetgrass basket sewing is viewed as a gift of God.

The craft is handed down from generation to generation and is usually learned from childhood. Patience is the virtue of creating a unique design. Therefore, there is no set time or molded pattern. Each artist develops their own style design and each basket is an original.

After 1800, sweetgrass baskets began to evolve. Sweetgrass, bulrush, longleaf pine needles and palmetto replaced the spit oak to wrap and hold the basket together.

Many sweetgrass lovers began to use them as household items. Today, sweetgrass baskets and accessories are used as decors to compliment rooms, walls, workplaces, restaurants and businesses. They are seen in museums, airports and all over the world.
 

With all of its uniqueness and authenticity, Sweetgrass does last forever. The sweetgrass artist tradition consists of many families in the SC Lowcountry.

In 2019, the Memoir of Ethel Major Swinton was written and named, "Sweetgrass Lasts Forever" to honor her for the rich legacy of sweetgrass she left for her family. The description fit her and sweetgrass perfectly.

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Ethel was not born into the craft but learned the art from her in-laws to supplement income. She taught her children and grandchildren the sweetgrass art to build wealth for generations.

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Over forty-six years, Ethel began selling her baskets in the Charleston City Market. Today, both her eldest children continue to transport and sell their family members' baskets to be sold in the market. Her legacy lives on. four generations later. Sweetgrass does last forever.

Wall and decor products are also a part of Sweetgrass Lasts Forever Baskets & Accessories.