Explore the Legacy of African American Basketry at Telfair Museums

Telfair Museums is set to unveil its newest exhibition, “Roots in the Rushes: African American Basketry of the Lowcountry,” beginning April 24, 2026, and running until April 4, 2027. This captivating exhibition delves into the rich history, exceptional craftsmanship, and cultural significance behind one of the United States’ oldest art forms.

The Art of Coiled Basketry

For centuries, artisans from the Lowcountry have honed the delicate craft of coiled basketry, a technique that originated with enslaved individuals of West African descent. Initially crucial for rice production on coastal plantations, these baskets have transformed from practical tools into stunning pieces of art. Made from local plant materials like bulrush, sweetgrass, and palmetto, these handsewn creations serve as a direct link to ancestral traditions from West Africa.

A Testament to Cultural Resilience

Visitors will gain insights into how such artistic knowledge has turned local markets and roadside stands into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, symbolizing both economic independence and identity. As Ahmauri Williams-Alford, Telfair Museums Assistant Curator of Historical Interpretation, states, “These baskets are more than just vessels; they are a testament to the ingenuity and survival of a people.” The exhibition, “Roots in the Rushes,” pays homage to the innovative designs that have shaped the artistic landscape of Savannah and the greater coastal region for generations.

Impact on Local Economy and Culture

This exhibition will showcase the evolution of basketry from essential tools in the 18th and 19th-century rice economy of Georgia and South Carolina to culturally significant art forms celebrated today. The journey of bulrush baskets reflects a transition from their agricultural roots to highly sought-after collectibles appreciated for their aesthetic value and cultural importance. Their presence in iconic locations like South Carolina’s roadside stands, the historic Penn School, and Savannah’s city market has brought this traditional craft into the global spotlight.

Visit “Roots in the Rushes” at Telfair Academy

Telfair Museums invites everyone to explore the extraordinary mastery of the Gullah Geechee people and to celebrate the historical contributions of these coastal communities through “Roots in the Rushes: African American Basketry of the Lowcountry.” The exhibition will be accessible starting April 24, 2026, at the Telfair Academy, with open viewing hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Support for the Exhibition

Programs related to this exhibition are made possible by the generous support of the Americana Foundation and investment by the City of Savannah. For further details, visit www.telfair.org.