The name “Gullah” is thought to be derived from Angola, from where many Gullah ancestors originated.

Nearly half a million Gullah live today between Jacksonville, North Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. Most live in South Carolina and Georgia, where the rice plantations that their ancestors worked on existed.

The Gullah history began on African soil. Slaves from various western African nations were enslaved in the holds on ships together. Although their languages differed, they were able to communicate with one another, and eventually they formed their own distinct language.

The slaves worked the rice plantations in South Carolina and Georgia. Because rice fields were so widespread, many slaves had very little contact with their masters. They only had one another to talk to, and they developed their own culture. The unique Gullah culture has several distinctions: Location Language Food Storytelling Basketweaving

Location Once the Civil War began, many rice plantation owners fled the area and left their slaves behind. Most slaves stayed in the area because it was all they knew. When Sherman marched through South Carolina, slaves were rounded up and relocated to the barrier islands in the state, where many of their ancestors live today. One of these islands is St. Helena Island.

Gullah Language The Gullah language that is still spoken today is a mixture English and Western African languages.

Gullah Food The Gullah diet was originally shaped by environment and availability. Rice and seafood were abundant and much of the diet features both. Gullah meals are often cooked in one pot, sometimes over cooked in ashes. Familiar Recipes: Hoe cakes Hoppin’ John Perlo Shrimp and Grits Fried Okra She-Crab Soup Cornbread Frogmore Stew

Gullah Storytelling & Song Because slaves were rarely literate, storytelling and singing were popular ways to entertain and to pass along their heritage to the next generation. The Gullah people continue this tradition today. Many stories are, surprisingly, quite similar to Aesop’s fables. The songs that their ancestors sang are still sung today, and the music speaks of freedom.

Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets The sweetgrass basket may be one of the most distinctive legacies of the Gullah people. The baskets were originally made by slaves for sifting and carrying rice. These baskets are still sold today in the Charleston area, and are popular and quite expensive.

The Gullah who remain are trying to keep their culture alive. Many are losing their homes because of encroaching golf resorts, which raises the property taxes on their land. Let’s hope that this fascinating group of people, who gives us a glimpse into a time gone by, continues to survive and thrive on the South Carolina islands that truly belong to them.