A lightship basket.

Nantucket lightship baskets represent an interesting form of maritime folk art and a craft tradition that has extended from the last half of the nineteenth century to the present day. Ranging in shape and size, these fascinating containers have evolved from utilitarian objects to collectible items valued for their design and beauty. The early baskets were made with white oak, hickory and rattan and were the original creations of men stationed aboard the South Shoal Lightship anchored off Nantucket.

The country's first floating light house, called a lightship, was stationed at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay in 1820. Nantucket Bay saw its first lightship in 1828. By 1854 Nantucket had two lightship stations - one at the Cross Rip Shoal and one at the South Shoal.

Floating, isolated for months at a time, the lightships frequently were manned by retired Nantucket whalers - men who understood the sea and were used to long desolate stretches spent alone.

To pass the time the men made baskets. During the summer months, they prepared wood and rattan around a mold, kept onboard, the men made durable round or oval baskets. Sometimes five or eight baskets were designed to fit together into a nest. On their return to Nantucket, the men sold their baskets to eager customers who recognized their practical nature.

By the 1880s the baskets had found a market with tourists. Today they remain a popular souvenir with many craftsmen continuing the basketmaking tradition.

The Nantucket Historical Association has an outstanding collection of these important artifacts, from early containers to contemporary purses, by some of the island’s most accomplished makers.