F.Y.I.

Nantucket Island is surrounded by some of the most treacherous waters in the world. Shoals of sand constantly shift with the tides just under the surface of the water.

In 1854, the US Treasury Dept. installed a lightship to help sailors navigate safely through these waters. During their months on the floating lighthouse, sailors filled the empty hours with several craft. Baskets were woven on moulds using a wooden base and rattan weaver. These became known as Lightship baskets.