“Big Percy” is a Guinness World Records Holder

Largest Sweetgrass Basket “Big Percy” by Corey Alston is Now a Guinness World Records Holder

“I wanted my piece for the Museum to stand out more than any other basket that I've done, because I wanted my state to have bragging rights for the largest basket ever made." - Corey Alston. 

The South Carolina State Museum is thrilled to announce that “Big Percy,” a monumental sweetgrass basket created by master artisan Corey Alston, is the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title holder for the Largest sweetgrass basket. The Museum will also celebrate this exciting achievement with Alston at a special event on Fri., Aug. 7th, featuring live music and more.  

Officially measured by Cox & Dinkins Inc at 44.1 inches long, 43.3 inches wide, and 52.6 inches tall, this historic designation for “Big Percy” highlights both the artistry and cultural legacy of the Lowcountry’s centuries-old sweetgrass basket weaving tradition.  

A fifth-generation basket weaver born and raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Alston’s baskets have been commissioned by institutions including the Smithsonian, the Duke Endowment, the Charleston Visitors Center, and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.  

The Museum is also thankful to the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston for their assistance in the historic achievement. The sweetgrass basket woven into Corey Alston’s “Big Percy” was cultivated from the sweetgrass field located within the African Ancestors Memorial Garden of the International African American Museum (IAAM).   

On Friday, Aug. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, the Museum will host a party and plaque presentation celebrating Corey Alston and "Big Percy." The event is free to the public and will feature a live performance by Quiana Parler and Charlton Singleton of the Grammy-winning musical ensemble "Ranky Tanky," as well as remarks from Alston. 

“Big Percy” is currently on view at the South Carolina State Museum. Visitors are encouraged to experience the record-breaking work and learn more about the enduring legacy of sweetgrass basket weaving.