South Carolina Palmetto Tree and Crescent Decorative Toss Pillow

ATLANTIC SOUTH. 
Home Decor, Pillow, Souvenir, c. 2000. 

Brimming with southern charm, this eye-catching white linen/cotton boudoir pillow features an indigo embroidery of South Carolina’s iconic crescent shape and palmetto tree. The image appears in reversed colors from the one on the state flag, which is white on dark blue. Roots of the design have appeared in some form or another since 1775, as it was based on a Revolutionary War flag. That flag, designed by Colonel William Moultrie, had an indigo field and a white crescent. The deep blue was the color of the uniforms worn by South Carolina troops, and the crescent shape was an insignia on their caps. Famously flown during the defense of a new fortress on Sullivan’s Island, it became the ‘Liberty Flag’ after it was shot down and taken up again by Sergeant William Jasper in an heroic and successful bid to rally the men. The victory on June 28, 1776, saved the city of Charleston from conquest for four years, and that flag design became the standard for South Carolina’s militia. The palmetto was added in 1861, also to honor Moultrie’s defense of Sullivan’s Island, the fortress surviving in large part due to palmetto trees laid over sand walls, which enabled them to withstand the British cannon fire. A notable difference in the pillow design from other references is instead of what looks like a tree which has been uprooted, the palmetto here has upward growing grass at its base. Perhaps this is a transition from war to peace, from unsettling times to a life of verdant rest. Can a simple little throw pillow bring home such comfort? Maybe it captures the spirit of South Carolina’s state motto, “Dum Spiro Spero”—“While I Breathe I Hope”. 

Condition: Like New. 
Local / Regional Areas. 
Dimensions: 9” wide x 13.5” long x 3” deep