The Gullah Gallery

The Gullah culture of the South Carolina low country and the Georgia Coastal Empire is unique. Similar to the Creole culture of Louisiana it is even more African since fewer influences impacted upon it. The isolation of the Sea Islands afforded the retension of more African traditions and less European. This culture is celebrated in Beaufort County South Carolina annually at festivals in May, February, and the Penn Center Heritage Festival in November. We strongly suggest that anyone who has not seen the movie, 'Daughters of the Dust' by filmaker Julie Dash, do so.

The painting below is called 'The Mysterious Yellow Mary' and is a scene from that movie that focuses on one of the primary characters. This painting is from Saint's Geechee Folk Collection. Geechee is an alternative decriptor of these sea island people.

.

Contrary to Walt Disney's belief, Brer Rabbit was not a real rabbit, but the nickname of a Gullah slave from the South Carolina Sea Islands. More importantly, these African trickster tales symbolize the spirit of rebellion that could not be spoken during slavery. It is all very creative code. In this painting 'Brer Rabbit's Big Day' the trickster is in full bloom.

It seems that old slave master was fond of betting on fist fights between his slaves and those of other plantations. Well Brer Rabbit managed to get himself into a fight that if he won he would gain not only his freedom but that of his family. Everyone knew that the challenger was a champion fighter and Brer Rabbit had no chance. So under cover of darkness Brer Rabbit snuck down to a large fence post near were the fight was supposed to be the next day. He secretly drilled lots of holes in a section of the wood and covered it up with dirt. The next morning when showing up for the fight Brer Rabbit swings a might blow at the spot he had doctored the night before. The wood exploded to the shock of all people present. Next Brer Rabbit goes into the Masters mansion and comes out with his best suit of clothes promply jumps on a white horse and rides over to the fight. That was all the challenger could stand. This was the baddest Black man he had ever seen.....he fled in fear and Brer Rabbit won his families freedom that day without ever fighting. These tales helped the Gullah people to cope with inhuman reality.

.

In 'Lesson from a Master' we see a low country tradition being passed on as a master net maker teaches the next generation. This is an important skill in a waterbased environment. This painting is part of the artist's Geechee Folk Collection.

.

The fishing nets made above are necessary for local fishermen. In 'Headin Home' a local fisherman ends his day on the water.

.

Saint's sense of humor is also shown here in 'Midnight Run'. The next time you feel lazy about walking ten feet to your bathroom in the middle of the night. Think about this woman and sadly those that still have to make a midnight run to the 'out house' in the 21st century.

.

Our next offering is 'Ghost Stories' which is part of the series,"The Adventures of Geechee Joe and Gullah Girl". Characters inspired by Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. These are the adventures of turn of the last century sea island youths and their grinning dog 'Butterfly'. Here an old man is conjuring up images both real and imagined with his scary tales. This painting is part of the collection at the historic Penn Center on St.Helena Island, SC.

.

More images will be added over time to deepen our appreciation of this African culture.

.

Return to Black Folk Art page from the Gullah Gallery