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Voices of the Sandhills

The Sandhills are a narrow band of xeric, or dry, sandy uplands that stretch across the Carolinas and Georgia. In North Carolina, the Sandhills are located within the inner coastal plain, just east of the fall line. The sands of the Sandhills were deposited by the ancient Atlantic Ocean over millions of years. The Sandhills contain one of the most diverse natural environments found in of the southeastern United States.

In this episode, hear the many voices of the Sandhills expressed through archaeological investigation, historical research, oral traditions, music, food, arts and crafts, customs, traditions, and faith.

You can view the entire episode all together below, or scroll down further to view highlighted clips.

Video Clips from Voices of the Sandhills

1. History

Helena Hendrix-Frye recalls the deep relationship between families and the land. To be able to walk on the same ground that her great grandparents walked on is very moving, she says. (00:51)

2. Artifacts

Caroleen Saunders, a potter from Catawba, recounts her experience as a young girl growing up on the reservation with a family of ceramicists. Pottery has become a symbol of the Catawba community. The personal connection to the clay is ingrained especially deeply in the hearts of those who work with it. (01:03)

3. Archaeology

Gregory Richardson, executive director for the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, reflects on how the Sandhills are the homelands to a large population of American Indians. Much of our knowledge of their history would be lost without the help of archaeologists and anthropologists. (00:18)

 

Research Laboratories of Archaeology

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Campus Box 3120 Phone: (919) 962-6574
108 Alumni Hall Fax: (919) 962-1613
Chapel Hill, NC 27599