Follows the coiled basket along its transformation from a simple farm tool used for processing grain to a work of art and a symbol of African and African American identity. This work contains images of the work of contemporary basket makers, as well as photographs that document the artistic heritage of the southern United States.

In this investigation of America's most enduring African-inspired art form, the Lowcountry basket becomes a prism through which to explore 300 years of American and African history. In scholarly essays and beautiful photographs, Grass Roots follows the coiled basket along its transformation on two continents from a simple farm tool once used for processing grain to a work of art and a central symbol of African and African American identity.