The Gullah Geechee Influence on Lowcountry Culture: Part 2 – Food, Art, and Traditions

The Old Plantation. Anonymous folk painting, South Carolina, c.1777-1794. (The Abbey Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Colonial Williamsburg, VA)

In the second part of this exploration of Gullah Geechee influence on Lowcountry culture, we’ll dive deeper into the ways this remarkable culture shapes the food, art, and traditions that make Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry such a unique place. From the rich culinary heritage to the vibrant arts scene, Gullah Geechee culture is not only a living memory but an evolving influence on the modern Lowcountry.

Food: The Heart of Gullah Culture

Ask any Charleston local about their favorite Lowcountry dish, and you’re likely to hear mention of classics like shrimp and grits, red rice, and Hoppin’ John. These dishes have deep ties to Gullah Geechee traditions, particularly because they are a blend of African ingredients and cooking techniques with European influences. The Gullah people were primarily rice farmers, and rice played a pivotal role in their diet and culture.

Rice dishes like Gullah rice, cooked with tomato, pork, or shrimp, are a signature of Gullah cuisine. A staple in many Charleston kitchens, the recipe is passed down through families, preserving that taste of the Lowcountry’s agricultural history. Other dishes, like okra soup, clam chowder, and fried fish, are also part of the rich Gullah tradition.

Then there’s the iconic Lowcountry boil, a Southern feast of shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn—all cooked together and served in a massive heap on a table. This is a true Gullah-inspired communal meal, meant to bring people together and share the harvest. For dessert, nothing beats a slice of sweet potato pie or a bowl of pralines, both of which have strong ties to Gullah cooking traditions.

If you want to dive deeper into the flavors of Gullah cuisine, several restaurants in Charleston embrace this heritage. Gullah Cuisine, located on Meeting Street, serves up authentic dishes passed down from Gullah families. The Royal Tern and Poogan’s Porch also bring Gullah-inspired dishes to their menus, adding modern flair to timeless recipes.

Art: Gullah Geechee’s Legacy in Visual Culture

Gullah Geechee artists have made lasting contributions to the cultural landscape of Charleston and the Lowcountry. From painting to weaving, Gullah art reflects the traditions, beliefs, and daily lives of this resilient culture. One of the most famous Gullah art forms is the handwoven sweetgrass baskets. These baskets, made from locally sourced grass and long passed down through generations, are not only functional but are also beautiful works of art. Visitors to Charleston can often find sweetgrass baskets for sale at the Charleston City Market.

Gullah art has expanded beyond traditional crafts, and today, local galleries and museums often feature exhibitions that celebrate the rich visual culture of the Gullah Geechee people. The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head showcases artwork and artifacts from the Gullah community, while The Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture highlights the contributions of Gullah artists to Charleston’s artistic landscape.

Traditions: Living History in the Lowcountry

Beyond food and art, the Gullah Geechee culture still influences traditions in Charleston and the Lowcountry. The community’s annual Gullah Festival in Beaufort celebrates the language, food, and music of the Gullah Geechee people. And in Charleston, the Charleston Gullah Tours offer visitors a chance to experience the rich history of the area through the eyes of Gullah locals, walking the historic streets and learning about the unique contributions of the Gullah people to the region.

In Charleston today, there is an ongoing effort to preserve and celebrate the Gullah Geechee culture. Local

efforts to revitalize Gullah traditions, like language preservation programs and culinary workshops, ensure that this important piece of the Lowcountry’s identity will continue for generations to come.

Part 2 Recap: Food, Art & Traditions

The Gullah Geechee influence on Charleston and the Lowcountry is not just a chapter in history but an enduring presence that shapes the culture of the region today. From the foods we eat to the art we admire, and the traditions we celebrate, the Gullah Geechee people have left an indelible mark on this beautiful place. So, next time you’re in Charleston, take a moment to honor their legacy and experience the richness of Gullah culture for yourself.