The role of black artisans in the building trades and the decorative arts in South Carolina's Charleston district, 1760-1800

The purpose of this research was to determine and place in an appropriate context the role of blacks (free and slave) as artisans in the building trades and decorative arts, 1760-1800, in the Charleston District of South Carolina, an area selected for study because of its large black population. These craftsmen assisted in the production of artifacts for a white society; stylistic trends in architecture and the decorative arts were dictated for the most part by prevailing European fashion.

Among the primary sources examined were South Carolina newspapers, manuscripts, wills, inventories, and other legal documents. The traditional method of historical research was employed although the computer was used for elementary statistical analysis. Descriptive information concerning numbers of blacks, types of trades, apprenticeship or job time, age, racial composition, owner occupation, and inventory valuation rates was obtained for the sample. The black artistic contribution was analyzed in relation to patterns of demand due to the Revolutionary War and to each of four Charleston fires.

The total number of notations to slave artisans who met the criteria set forth by the study was 3324. Building construction accounted for the major contributions of the slaves; 83 percent of the sample was comprised of those working as carpenters, sawyers, and bricklayers and makers. Other handicraftsmen included textile workers, blacksmiths, painters and glaziers, cabinetmakers, tallow chandlers, silversmiths, and upholsterers. Those slaves working on the plantation were more diversified in their skills; city life offered increased opportunities for specialization of labor.

Because only a small number of free blacks who worked in home-related trades could be identified (N=13), analysis was limited. The majority of these free craftsmen had been trained as carpenters.

After examining the specific contributions of each group of artisans, it was determined that blacks played a significant role in the development and perpetuation of Southern home life. Although it is difficult to judge what level of proficiency was attained by these craftsmen, in the final analysis they appear to have exhibited varying levels of skill in the performance of their trades.