One version of the development of the Nantucket basket is that it was influenced by the New Hampshire basket. Whether the New Hampshire basket evolved from nailing two wood disks together to repair an old work basket, or if it was the result of trying to make a sturdy basket, the NH basket was a strong basket with a wooden base and splint ribs, weavers, and handles. Historical records indicate that Nantucket islanders traded with folks from New Hampshire. There is reason to believe that the islanders traded for some of these NH baskets. Not only were trees were not as plentiful on the island but pounding splint weavers was difficult and time consuming. Therefore, as the strong weaving material called rattan was brought to Nantucket by the whaling ships, the islanders began to use this cane with the wooden bases instead of splint weavers. Thus the rattan basket became unique to Nantucket.