Folk history recounts that enslaved men and women weaved African coiled baskets to fan rice in order to separate the grains from the chaff. After the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, former slaves were dedicated to preserve the African traditions of their ancestors. A reaffirmation of this goal has been made by each generation of the descendants of enslaved Africans and sweetgrass basketry is a symbol of this devotion. Sweetgrass grows in bands about 50 to 75 m from the mean high tide line in undulating sand dunes usually behind the first dune along the ocean from North Carolina to Texas. Sweetgrass grows on many of the barrier islands along South Carolina's coast, such as, Kiawah, Seabrook, Dewees, Bulls, Fripp, and Hilton Head.
Coiled basketry involves sewing or stitching unlike other types of baskets that are woven.
Pine needles may be used throughout the basket to provide a russet color that contrasts well with the more yellow sweetgrass. Black rush turns a rich tawny color when dried. Shape of the baskets is created by building upon the foundation, one row at a time and then row upon row. The coils of material must constantly be fed with new grasses to maintain a constant foundation of uniform thickness. The strength of the basket depends on how firmly the stitches are pulled.