Nantucket Basketworks of
Cape Cod

History

Nantucket Lightship Baskets are symbols of nautical lore representing a folk art unique to the island of Nantucket. Owning one means owning part of the island's seafaring heritage. A lightship was a ship with a powerful light or warning signals, like a floating lighthouse, that was anchored in dangerous waters to alert other vessels. The Lightship era lasted from 1854 to 1905.

The dangerous shifting shoals off Nantucket Island were poorly marked, and navigation through the busy sea lanes created a glut of traffic. It had been estimated that some 500 vessels passed through Nantucket shoals each day, and the area became a graveyard for boats.

After several petitions to the government, the first Nantucket Lightship was built in 1853, a 104-foot ship named the Nantucket South Shoal. Crews who were "sentenced" to a four month tour of duty aboard the Lightship, 24 miles off Nantucket's Sankaty Head, turned to weaving rattan baskets, as an antidote to cabin fever. These baskets evolved from the wooden splint baskets made by the Algonquin Indians. Later, the rattan was replaced with oak and hickory. When their tours were over, the men brought the baskets home to their families, or sold them to shops onshore for extra income.

The lightship hobby flourished until early 1900 when the U.S. Government discouraged the practice for fear that it interfered with the sailor's duties. Basketmaking then moved to shore where the locals learned the art from the original lightship crews.

Jose Reyes is credited with developing the idea of selling the baskets as handbags for ladies in 1948, when he moved to Nantucket from the Philippines.

Over the past 40 years the Nantucket Lightship Basket has become more and more popular, and today you can find the baskets all over the world, a symbol of Nantucket Island.

Lightship Basket Quality

Purchasing a basket from someone who is well established in the business and is well versed in all aspects of basket construction and history is the best way to insure your basket will be well made and continue to hold its value as time passes.

Authorities agree on four distinguishing features: a cane or rattan weave; a sturdy wooden base; a distinctive form woven around a mold; and precise workmanship that gives quality and durability to the piece. Additionally, if you squeeze the basket slightly it should be firm.

An original, made-to-order, 8-inch Nantucket basket requires at least 40 hours of labor, and cannot be mass-produced.

Since authenticity determines value, look for a basket with the maker's signature. Any basket maker "worth their salt" is proud of their work and signs each basket, just as a painter signs each canvas. For investment value, a signature is a must.

Gifts of New England's Baskets

When you purchase a basket from Gifts of New England you are guaranteed the finest quality. All our baskets are made exclusively by Nantucket Basketworks of Cape Cod. Each authentic Nantucket Basket is made to order using only the finest materials available, and will last a lifetime. The classic Nantucket Basket purses are made with a cherry top and base, and woven with cane staves and weaver. A choice of authentic scrimshaw decorations adorn each purse, and include a name engraved quarterboard under the lid.

Basketweaver Lisa Bessette learned the art from her father who has been making Nantucket Baskets for many years. She is a member of The Northeast Basketmakers Guild and was a Blue Ribbon Winner in the 2000 Barnstable County Fair on Cape Cod for her work. In addition she was awarded certificates for Favorite Basket Weaving and Favorite Craft. She is a native Cape Codder who grew up in the shadow of Nobska Lighthouse in Woods Hole (see our home page logo). Lisa's craftsmanship is of the highest quality, and she proudly signs every piece.