Lightship baskets are called that because they were specifically designed to be used onboard ships. While the exact origin of the design is unclear, it is thought that the earliest baskets of this type were made in the late 19th century by sailors aboard sailing vessels, such as tall ships, in order to keep small quantities of items safely tucked away as the vessel sailed along.
Because they were designed to be used aboard ships, they were far more lightweight and their design allowed them to be carefully packed away in often tight and confined areas. Once electricity was introduced to ships, the baskets were constructed out of the cages that housed the lights to provide even more stability when stowed away.
Eventually they came to be known as “lightship baskets. ”.
What makes a Nantucket basket?
A Nantucket basket is a traditional woven basket that originated on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, as a type of wickerwork basketry. It is characterized by its distinct oval shape, thin walls, and intricate weaving pattern that give it its signature appearance.
The basket’s frame is usually constructed of willow splits, which are thin strips of willow bark, woven into the basket shape. It is then decorated with designs created by weaving strands of sweetgrass, hickory bark, bulrush, and dyed wisteria.
The base of the basket is traditionally covered with a material called “flatties,” which are thin, flat pieces of cedarwood split from the center of a tree. This gives the basket an extra layer of protection; it also helps trap moisture and prevents the basket from warping or losing its shape.
Additionally, the inner edges of the basket are often stained or decorated with a thin layer of paint or varnish. The holes on the sides of the basket are known as “eyes,” and used to carry the basket.
Embellishments such as pendants, tassels, or shells are often added to give the basket a more decorative look.
Are Nantucket baskets made in China?
No, Nantucket baskets are not made in China. They are traditionally made in Nantucket, Massachusetts, by skilled Nantucket basket makers. For centuries, families in the region have crafted these baskets made of natural materials, such as willow, oak, and ash.
The only non-natural material used to create the baskets is the metal band that is used to hold the basket together, which is usually made from stainless steel.
The art of Nantucket basket making requires years of skill to learn, and most basket makers use hand-held tools to create their products. The process of making a Nantucket basket requires each weaver to split a strip of willow in two, then bend and weave the material in and out of the strips of oak to create a rigid structure.
The weaving pattern is designed to fit together tightly to form a water-tight surface. The baskets are then finished with a traditional white or black paint.
All Nantucket baskets are true works of art, and their intricate designs are particular to the region. The materials and technique used to make them cannot be easily replicated in China, and therefore the baskets are still made the traditional way in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
How long does it take to make a Nantucket basket?
It takes several weeks to make a Nantucket basket due to the detailed process involved in its creation. Each basket requires different materials, such as rattan reed, ash, and/or oak splints. The basket maker must first prepare the materials by cutting, stripping, and dying them.
After that, he or she must begin weaving the basket. This includes weaving the base, sides, and handles. Once the weaving is complete, the basket is finished with a rim. To make sure the rim stays in place, the basket maker will often use marline or whalebone.
After the finishing touches have been completed, the basket is ready to use—though it typically takes several weeks to make a Nantucket basket!.
Who invented basket weaving in the Philippines?
The origins of basket weaving in the Philippines remain largely unknown. However, some believe that the skill may have been passed down through generations of the Tagalog or Visayan people. Although the precise origin is not clear, basket weaving has long been a common practice in many Filipino households.
Throughout the country, baskets are used for a range of purposes, from storing food and carrying goods to being used as a decorative item or presented as a gift.
Bamboo is the traditional material used for weaving Filipino baskets. Other materials, such as pandan leaves, coconut leaves, and rattan, may also be used. Each basket’s design is unique, with different colours and patterns added according to the weaver’s preference.
The detailed designs specific to a particular region reflect the culture, tradition and history of the area from which they originate. Different patterns have been passed down through the generations and regional styles have evolved over time.
Basket weaving provides income for many Filipino artisans and helps to keep ancient traditions alive. Several Filipino organizations have also been created to promote basket weaving as an art form, develop rural crafts and help to protect local communities against poverty.
The exact inventor of basket weaving in the Philippines remains a mystery. However, it is clear that the skill has been part of Filipino culture for centuries and is an important part of their history and tradition.
Who is Jose Formoso Reyes?
Jose Formoso Reyes was a famous Filipino philosopher and writer from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is credited with being a major contributor to the development of nationalist thought and revolt against Spain’s colonial rule.
Reyes was born in 1818 in San Narciso, Zambales. He is widely considered to have been a precocious child, and eventually began studying Latin, Spanish and philosophy at an early age. He attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, which was an influential Catholic seminary at the time, where he studied traditional Spanish philosophy, as well as newly translated works from the Enlightenment.
Reyes wrote prolifically, penning several books and multiple articles and essays. Among his best-known works are The Reform of Education in America, the essay Free Government in the Philippine Islands and the books Philippine Revolution and the Transformation of a People: From Colonization to Liberation, and The Voice of the People: A Report on the Philippine Revolution.
In addition to writing, Reyes was instrumental in helping to cultivate the Philippine literary scene. He contributed to the creation and sustainment of many awards and organizations, such as the Philippine Academy of Literature, which was established in 1924 to recognize the achievement of Filipino writers and thinkers.
He also founded and edited a weekly newspaper, Enlightenment, in 1898 which featured writings from leading Filipino nationalists.
Reyes passed away on January 6th, 1942, just months after the signing of the Declaration of Philippine Independence from the United States. He will be remembered as an important intellectual and patriot, and his work continues to be integral to Philippine history and philosophy.
How many lighthouses are in Nantucket?
There are two lighthouses in Nantucket – Great Point Light and Sankaty Head Light. Great Point Light is located in the northeastern part of the island off of Great Point and is accessible via a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
The lighthouse was built in 1784 and was originally known as the Coskata Light. It is still active today, emitting a distinctive light from its 3rd order Fresnel lens.
Sankaty Head Light is located near the northeast tip of the island and stands at a height of 81 feet. It was built in 1850 and is still an active automated light. The original tower was damaged during a hurricane in 1938 and the current structure is made of reinforced concrete and steel.
The distinctive red and white tower is visible from most parts of the island.
What is the tradition when leaving Nantucket?
When leaving Nantucket, there is a traditional gesture of appreciation for the community and locals. This gesture is to “ring the bell” three times at the brink of the harbor. This is supposed to signify the sincere gratitude for one’s presence in the charming harbor town of Nantucket.
Doing this has become a standing tradition, and people engage in it to show their fondness for the place. This gesture also serves as a tribute to the sailors who would return from the sea to their families’ awaiting arms at the harbor.
It is a mark of respect for the rugged seafaring culture of the island, and it is done to express a final goodbye to the island. The bell ringing is seen more as a ritual of fondness and farewell, rather than a superstition, and it honors the tradition of sailing vessels with its symbolic gesture.
How can you tell how old a basket is?
Depending on the type and material of the basket, different methods may be appropriate for determining its age.
If the basket is made of natural materials such as rushes, reeds or straw, the age can often be determined by inspecting the materials. Rush baskets, for example, develop a ‘patina’ or discoloring of the material with age, as well as become more brittle with time.
Similarly, straw baskets may begin to dry out and become brittle with age.
If the basket is made of coiled material such as wicker or rattan, the age can often be determined by examining the weave pattern. Younger baskets typically have a tight, firm weave whereas older baskets exhibit a more open, looser pattern.
If the basket is made of wood, examination of the grain pattern is often helpful in determining age. Younger baskets may have a straight, consistent pattern of wood grain, while older baskets may show some distortion due to both natural contraction and expansion of the wood over time.
Finally, proper documentation of any history associated with the basket often provides the best evidence for determining age. Letters, photographs and other records may be examined to help date the item.
How do you know if a basket is expensive?
The easiest way to determine if a basket is expensive is to compare it to others of similar size and material. Consider the size, material, and craftsmanship of the basket, and then compare it to the prices of other baskets of similar make.
This can help you assess if the basket is expensive or not. Additionally, look for brand names or specific makers when evaluating the baskets. Make sure to examine any maker’s marks or tags as well, as this can give you an idea of the quality and value of the basket.
In some cases, the basket may also arrive with a certificate of authenticity or a mark of origin to demonstrate value. If the maker is particularly renowned or if the basket is rare, these additional measures can help you determine an appropriate price.
Finally, you can look up the basket in online marketplaces, such as eBay and Etsy, to get a feel for the price range of similar baskets.
Are old baskets worth any money?
The answer to whether or not old baskets are worth any money depends on a variety of factors. In general, older baskets can be worth some money, depending on the condition, rarity, and style of the basket.
Primitive baskets, or those made before 1950, may be worth more if they were made in a unique style, as these are more rare and sought after by collectors than newer baskets. It is also important to note that condition plays a huge role in the basket’s value.
Baskets with wear and tear, broken parts, fading, or damage are generally not worth as much money, if any. Additionally, baskets with a maker’s mark or signature, or ones made with unique materials or in a unique color or shape, are usually more valuable.
Ultimately, the value of an old basket depends largely on its condition, rarity, and style.
How do I identify a hand woven basket?
Identifying a hand woven basket can be tricky because of the process by which they are made. Fortunately, there are a few simple guidelines to help.
The first thing to look for is the type of weave. Hand woven baskets typically have a tight twill weave pattern, although this may vary depending on the region and basket’s purpose. Often the weave will be asymmetrical, made with different sized strips of material.
The faster the weaver is able to work, the more perfect and symmetrical the weaves will be.
Next, examine the structure of the basket. Hand woven baskets tend to be symmetrical, with the weaver starting from the center and working outwards. This center-out approach results in an even tightness of the weave.
Additional materials such as string, twine, or other decorations may be used to finish the edges, often in decorative patterns.
Lastly, inspect the material that has been used. With hand woven baskets, the material used will likely be natural grasses, reeds, or other vegetation. These items are easily manipulated, so a skilled weaver can use them to create intricate and complex patterns.
By taking these three factors into consideration, you can better identify a hand woven basket.
How do you price a basket?
The most common way to price a basket is to simply add up the cost of each item included in the basket. This method works well if all of the items in the basket have a set price that doesn’t change. If the items in the basket change in price or they are in different size packages, then a more sophisticated method may be necessary.
For example, you might need to calculate the cost of the basket per unit or per weight. Some baskets also include a coupon for a certain percentage off the total cost. You would need to factor in the amount of the coupon when calculating the total cost of the basket.
In some cases, such as when making a gift basket, you might be using items that were given to you for free, or at a discounted rate. In those cases, you would need to factor in those discounts when calculating the total cost of the basket.
How do you get the musty smell out of baskets?
The best way to get a musty smell out of baskets is to thoroughly wash them with a solution of a mild detergent and warm water. Start by rinsing off the baskets with clean water to remove any excess dirt or dust and then mix a solution of a mild detergent and warm water.
Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the entire surface, taking care to get into any cracks or crevices. Once the baskets have been cleaned, rinse them with clean water and either let them air dry or gently pat them dry with a soft cloth.
For extra deodorizing and to remove any remaining musty odors, spritz the baskets with a solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar to one quart of water, and then either let them air dry or gently pat them dry with a soft cloth.
To further help prevent any musty smells from coming back, store the baskets in a cool, dry place.