Homespun & Handmade
Our summer 2016 exhibit, Homespun and Handmade, celebrated the people of the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area’s long tradition of making by hand what was needed for both survival and pleasure. From functional objects to works of decorative art, this tradition continues on today and has resulted in a material culture unique to the area. The exhibit was broken up into three categories: music and dance, hunting, and crafts. This exhibit was partially funded by a mini-grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council.
See full exhibit panels here.
Music & Dance
Long before sound recordings were made, music was passed on in the oral tradition, a practice which continues into the 21st century. Musicians often possess a repertoire of songs and dance tunes unique to the region. These songs were often passed down through families, such as the Carpenter family of Braxton County.
Fiddle contestant at the Pocahontas County Fair
““…she made him a fiddle – out of a cornstalk. Did you ever hear tell of the like? She went out, and got him a cornstalk, now, and she cut that cornstalk in strips, you know, and put a bridge in under it, you know, and fixed him a bow…Went out of the barn and got the hair out of an old horse’s tail and made him a bow!”
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Listen to Elk River Blues by Ernie Carpenter, which he created when the Sutton Dam was built on the Elk River and destroyed his boyhood home. The Carpenter Family created many old-time fiddle tunes connected to the geography of the area and life in West Virginia.
With all the good music around, people of the area created their own dancing tradition. Old-time music was commonly played for individual step dancing as well as group square dancing. Today you can still hear old time music at square dances, fiddle contests, in private homes, and local concerts. Want to hear so old-time music and square dance? Check out the Mountain Dance Trail Schedule here.
Hunting
There is a long history of hunting in the area, both for survival and sport. Hunting trophies, handmade rifles, animal calls and animal art are types of traditional folk art in the region and express the values of the people that live here. Functional longrifles were customized and turned in to art with unique designs carved into the stock and animal parts that were not eaten were turned into taxidermy and wall art.
Crafts
Early settlers had to create most items required to survive in the mountains. While function was the most important thing, these objects were often beautifully made and ornamented. These crafts and designs often reflect part of the artist’s life, such as the birds they see every day. Though most people no longer live on self-sufficient farms, many people and organizations in the area, such as the Augusta Heritage Center, still try to keep these traditions alive
This exhibit was partially funded by a mini-grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council.
