Edith Clayton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Clayton
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|---|---|
| Born |
Edith Drummond
September 6, 1920 Lake Loon, Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia
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| Died | October 8, 1989 (aged 69) |
| Occupation | Basket maker |
| Parent(s) | James Alexander Drummond, Selena Irene Sparks |
Edith Clayton, born Edith Drummond (September 6, 1920–October 8, 1989), was a talented Canadian basket maker. She was known for her beautiful baskets and for keeping an important family tradition alive.
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Edith Clayton's Life and Work
Edith Drummond was born in Lake Loon, Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia. Her parents were James Alexander Drummond and Selena Irene Sparks. Her family were descendants of Black Loyalists. These were people of African descent who moved to Canada after the War of 1812.
A Family Tradition of Basket Weaving
The special way Edith made baskets came from Africa. This skill was passed down in her family for six generations. It went from mother to daughter, showing how important traditions can be.
Edith used natural dyes to color her baskets. She learned how to get these dyes from Mi'kmaq women. This shows how different cultures can share knowledge and skills.
Sharing Her Art
Edith Clayton sold her unique baskets at craft fairs. These fairs took place all across Canada. She also taught classes to others who wanted to learn basket making. This helped to share her amazing skills.
Her baskets were even shown at Expo 86. This was a big world fair held in Vancouver, Canada. It was a great way for many people to see her beautiful work.
Edith Clayton passed away in East Preston when she was 69 years old.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Edith's daughters continue her family's tradition. Althea Tolliver, Pam Drummond Wall, and Clara Clayton-Gough all make baskets. They keep the art of basket weaving alive for future generations.
Edith Clayton's Legacy
Edith Clayton's work was very important. She appeared in a film called Black Mother, Black Daughter by Sylvia Hamilton. This film showed the lives of Black women in Nova Scotia.
A scholar named Peggy Bristow wrote about Edith's impact. She said Edith helped pass on a "significant and uniquely African-Nova Scotian aspect of the province's heritage." This means Edith's baskets were a special part of Nova Scotia's history and culture.
