HENRIETTA SNYPE

Community advocate for Sweetgrass baskets makers and a founding members of the Sweetgrass Basket Makers Association.

A native of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Henrietta learned the art
of weaving Sweetgrass Baskets at the age of 7 from her mother, Mary Mazyck, who
learned the art from her mother Elizabeth Johnson and so on since before the Middle Passage. She has taught this valuable skill to her children and grandchildren. Henrietta went on to pursue an education in business after graduating high school. In the early 1980’s, she began working in schools. Henrietta continues teaching this art in schools, universities, giving demonstrations, and workshops around the world.

Henrietta is the pioneer of Sweetgrass basket jewelry. Her work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum, The McKissick Museum and the Birmingham Arts Festival. In 2018 Henrietta was received the Heritage Award from the South Carolina Arts commission.