Product Description
Nantucket Lightship Baskets. Hand-woven by Joan Pinney.
Legend is, if a two pence is thrown overboard when passing the lighthouse, leaving Nantucket harbor, you will be granted a safe voyage and return.
In 1840 the US Government commissioned a ship to be outfitted with a light to avoid navigation off the island of Nantucket, MA. The sailors on board worked in long eight month shifts. To pass the idle time, they took up the art of basket making taught to them by local Native Americans. Each has a wooden bottom and is tightly woven over a mold, a characteristic of the Nantucket basket.
In the late 1940s a lid decorated with carved ivory or scrimshaw was added to the basket. Today, the wood woven baskets have become very collectible commanding high prices.
Various real wood materials and antique ivory for the hinges.
- Rattan
- Ebony
Made to Order
Every Scrimshanders piece is made to order, allowing us to engrave and finish each item with the care it deserves. Please allow 1–2 weeks for fulfillment while your piece is crafted. We appreciate your patience — the result is something truly special.