Africans imported to South Carolina brought with them specialized skills. Evidence of skills learned in Africa and utilized here in the Low Country include blacksmithing, basketweaving, pottery, boating, and carpentry. Most of these various areas of skill had antecedents in African culture, though not necessarily the culture of an individual's ancestry. In the Low Country, African and European techniques and forms often complemented and influenced each other to such an extent that the product retained distinctive characteristics of one or both and yet became a new, regional tradition. However, direct historical evidence makes it difficult to prove to what extent these skills were able to be utilized.
Colonial records show that planters often trained skilled artisans in the European tradition.
Furthermore, records reflect that planters were reluctant to give credit to slaves for skills acquired in Africa. Overall, skilled workers differed from field hands in that they occasionally may have received specialized training. Accomplished carpenters, boatmen and select others could realize a greater freedom of mobility, or could receive payment for their services if hired out.