The history of these baskets started in the 1800’s. Many ships sailing to Nantucket became victims of the offshore shoals. Old whaling ships were anchored off these shoals, where no lighthouse could be placed, to act as light beacons to incoming ships. The main obligation of the men who were stationed on these ships was to keep the oil lamps clean and lit, they were not sailing anywhere. To help occupy their down times, the men started to make baskets, which was already a craft done on Nantucket. They brought supplies with them when they boarded these lightships, and used pieces of old masts to make the molds, as well as designing their own tools. Baskets made today honor the tradition by being woven on molds that will define their shape, and have wooden bases, tapered staves, wooden rims and handles.

Today’s artists have expanded into designing jewelry, lamps, clocks, even a tabletop Christmas tree, using the basket weaving techniques.

Basket sizes range from small 2” round baskets, up to the size of a bassinette. Molds can be purchased or rented from basket supply stores, or borrowed from members who own molds. Depending on size and how often you want to work on the basket, it can be finished in as little as a day, or take several months to finish.

The monthly weaving group was started several years before CoVid. Many of our members have been taught by other CRC members, who bring their own insight to the way of doing a particular technique.

A few comments from the members:

“I made my first basket, taught to me by a friend, in 2007. I was hooked immediately.”

“I enjoy the overwhelming support of the weaving group. Someone always steps forward to share their knowledge, supplies and most importantly their time.”

“It is a satisfying activity, and the end results are original to you while being authentically American and historically accurate.”

“I began weaving 4 years ago after taking lessons at a local community art center. I love the variety of projects to work on and being able to personalize each one.”

The group meets the second Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday of the month in The Marsh room, the community room, in the Dye.  Please contact Shirley Rothouse at srothouse@gmail.com for more information.

For a more in-depth history of these baskets, “Lightship Baskets of Nantucket” by Martha Lawrence is a good reference.