Nantucket Lightship Baskets

"Nantucket Lightship Basket" refers to a unique American style of basket making that is nearly 200 years old. Men who tended the lightships anchored off the shoals of Nantucket originally made the baskets.

The men who tended the lightships worked about eight months during the year aboard the ships. With little to do other than maintain the vessel and the lights, the men developed art skills that still exist today. Coopering, carving or whittling, and scrimshawing were important skills that contributed to the development of the basket that would later be known as the Nantucket Lightship Basket

The early baskets were called "rattan baskets" by the sailors because of the main materials from which they were constructed. They obtained the rattan, or cane as it is often called, from trade with the Philippines.

1. Typically, the basket is constructed using a solid piece of wood as the base. This is fixed to a mold or form over which the basket is woven.

2. The upright staves or stakes are individually tapered to fit inside the groove of the base. Small caning is used to weave the main body of the basket.

3. The rims are normally formed over molds before being fitted to the inside and outside of the basket, The rim is nailed with brass escutcheon pins before being wrapped with the same caning material.

4. The handle is attached with either brass "ears" or bone knobs and washers.

5. The basket is finished with a sealer and varnish without UV blockers. This allows the basket to "age" naturally and develop a patine that will deepen with time.

        6  Baskets with tops are sometimes finished with some sort of  decoration attached
             to the top.

Many different Styles and sizes are available. Prices vary.....

Contact:
Kenneth G. Hawkins
1250 Faulkingham Road
Merritt Island, Fl   32952

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