This bed of creek oysters sits along the wooden boardwalk parallel to the Sewee Shell Ring trail.
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The scenic walk takes you through the Francis Marion National Forest and along the marsh, where you can learn about the Sewee Indian Shell Ring. These clusters many be descendants of the shells that populated the ring back in the Sewee Indian days.
The shell ring walk goes through the Francis Marion National Forest and along the marsh, where plenty of modern kiosks tell the known facts about the shell ring.
The Sewee Indians who lived in the area created the ring and its purpose is still a mystery today. They placed a variety of “leftovers” from various living organisms. They layered mammal skeletons, bird skeletons, oyster shells, turtles, and other residuals in a systematic circle. A variety of theories exists on how the ring originated; a ceremonial ground, a food processing area, or possibly a feasting area.
Tidal erosion and the breakdown of materials over the years have made it difficult to know the reason, shape, and contents of the original ring.
Oysters are a common fixture on the South Carolina coast. Not only are oysters delicious and can be prepared in a variety of ways, they also are loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Raw oysters have a higher quality protein and are more digestible than chicken or red meat. They are low in fat, sodium, and calories... unless of course they are the deep-fried variety!
Read an in depth study of the Sewee Shell Ring from the Southeast Archeology Center (PDF)
View more pictures of Awendaw.
See photos of neighboring Cape Romain.
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