The Gullah basket weavers of the South Carolina Lowcountry are known for their incredibly intricate basket weaving tradition, a craft that they have preserved for more than eight generations. While their exquisite baskets–woven from locally-collected sweetgrass, pine needles, bulrush, and palmetto palm–have attracted the attention of art institutions across the country, their heritage craft tradition is largely unknown by many Americans.

Recognizing the need to bring this important craft tradition into the light, Nest partnered with Etsy to support 16 community members as they made their foray into direct-to-consumer sales through a dedicated feature of their independently-owned shops on Etsy.com in late 2021. Their launch on the platform was celebrated by outlets like CNN and Southern Living, among others, earning these talented weavers well-deserved praise, in addition to income.

Photo Credit: 1212 Design

Through the Indigenous Artisans Collective, Nest and Etsy are honored to support Indigenous makers by bringing greater attention and market opportunity to Indigenous craft traditions. In addition to creating opportunities for economic advancement for participating makers, the Collective was established to spark interest and curiosity in Indigenous craft among consumers. It is intended to be a celebration of the cultures and craftsmanship that have been borne out of the lands of the southwestern United States and Canadian territories and the communities who have inhabited them for generations.

Photo Credit: Renee Cornue