The Nantucket Lightship Basket is one of the most distinctive forms of American basketry. Developed on Nantucket, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, USA, during the 19th century, these baskets are recognized for their precise construction, characteristic materials, and connection to the island's maritime history.

Nantucket is part of the region known as Cape Cod and the Islands, which includes Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. This coastal region of New England has a rich maritime history that helped shape culture and craft traditions.

Over nearly two centuries, the Nantucket Lightship Basket has evolved from a practical object into a valuable collectible, a fashion accessory, and an inspiration for contemporary design.

What Is a Nantucket Lightship Basket?

A Nantucket Lightship Basket (NLB) is a distinct style of basket traditionally woven around a wooden mold, with a solid wooden base, cane staves, and rattan weavers.

The mold establishes the basket's shape and proportions, while the weaving creates its structure and characteristic texture. Unlike free-form basketry, this method allows for consistent shapes and carefully controlled construction.

Although Nantucket Lightship Baskets have evolved considerably in size, shape, materials, and decoration (for example, hardwood staves), the use of a mold and the relationship between the base, staves, and weavers remain fundamental to the tradition.

1840s–1850s: The Origins of Nantucket Baskets

The exact origins of Nantucket Lightship Baskets remain uncertain, but the tradition dates to at least the 1840s. Among the earliest known basketmakers was Rowland Folger, who was weaving baskets on Nantucket during this period. [1, 2]

Despite their maritime name, Nantucket Lightship Baskets did not originate aboard ships. Some early basketmakers, including Thomas S. James, were former whalers who later served on lightships. Although whaling crews practiced crafts such as scrimshaw and decorative knotwork, there is no documented evidence that Nantucket-style baskets were made aboard whaling ships. Basketmaking aboard lightships developed later in the 19th century. [1]

1860s–1930s: Lightships, Tourism, and Commercial Basketmaking

During the second half of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, Nantucket's economy shifted from whaling to tourism. Basketmaking grew into a cottage industry, producing practical household items and souvenirs. [1]

Lightships played an important role in this growing trade. Essentially floating lighthouses, large vessels were anchored offshore to guide ships safely around dangerous shoals—shallow sandbars responsible for numerous shipwrecks along New England’s coast. One particular lightship, the South Shoal Lightship, stationed approximately 50 miles south of the island, is where the “Lightship Basket” story developed. [1]

Beginning in the late 1860s, Thomas S. James, who was a former whaler, was a mate and later captain on the South Shoal Lightship. He helped introduce basketmaking materials to crews so they could weave baskets during their long assignments offshore, and then earn income selling them back onshore. By 1894, approximately 500 baskets made aboard the vessel were reportedly sold annually through island shops. [1]

In parallel, basket making continued ashore, where craftsmen passed down their molds, tools, and techniques to new generations of weavers. Although weaving aboard lightships ended in the early 20th century, the name Nantucket Lightship Basket endured. [1]

1940s–1980s: José Reyes and the Friendship Basket Purse

After World War II, José Formoso Reyes, a Filipino whose marriage to a Nantucket woman brought him to the island, introduced a fresh perspective to its basketmaking tradition. Familiar with basketry from the Philippines, where rattan grows naturally and is widely used, Reyes refined his skills under Nantucket basketmaker Mitchell “Mitchy” Ray. [1, 3, 4]

Reyes experimented with traditional basket forms, adding hinged lids, handles, and decorative carvings, often featuring maritime motifs. He called his most celebrated design the Friendship Basket, which was the purse that transformed the practical Nantucket Lightship Basket into a fashionable accessory. [1, 3]

The Friendship Basket became a symbol of Nantucket style, prized as both a collectible and a family heirloom. Its popularity also created new opportunities for professional basketmakers, bringing traditional craftsmanship into the world of fashion. [1, 3]

1980s–Present: Contemporary Basketry and New Directions in Design

Over approximately the last 50 years, Nantucket basketmaking has continued to change.

The popularity of baskets has fluctuated with fashion and consumer demand. Opportunities to earn a living as a full-time basketmaker have also changed, while interest in weaving as a recreational, educational, and artistic pursuit has expanded.

Today, the craft is practiced by professional artisans, dedicated enthusiasts, and students learning from experienced weavers. What was once a geographically concentrated tradition is now taught and practiced internationally.

Contemporary makers continue to produce traditional Nantucket Lightship Baskets, but many also experiment with unconventional shapes, complex weaving techniques, different materials, and increasingly elaborate decorative elements. [1]

The tradition has expanded beyond baskets themselves.

The distinctive textures, materials, and construction techniques associated with Nantucket Lightship Basketry now influence jewelry, handbags, accessories, and other forms of contemporary design.

The Tradition Continues at Whale Tail Weaving

For Whale Tail Weaving founder Bridget Wiatrowski, Nantucket Lightship Basketry is a family tradition that brings together craftsmanship and fashion.

Bridget grew up watching her mother, a Nantucket Lightship Basket weaver who also worked in fashion. Surrounded by wooden molds, weaving materials, and the tools of the craft, she developed an appreciation for both traditional craftsmanship and design.

Our mission at Whale Tail Weaving is to keep the art of Nantucket Lightship Baskets alive. We do that by making modern pieces that stay true to tradition.

Today, our collection includes handwoven jewelry and leather goods inspired by the traditional craft, bringing its distinctive materials, techniques, and design elements into contemporary fashion.

Heritage made modern.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Nantucket Lightship Baskets

What makes a Nantucket Lightship Basket distinctive?
Traditional Nantucket Lightship Baskets are woven around a mold, with a solid wooden base, cane staves, and rattan weavers. Their molded construction and distinctive weaving techniques distinguish them from many other forms of basketry.

When were Nantucket Lightship Baskets first made?
The exact origins remain uncertain. Nantucket basketmaking with recognizable characteristics of the tradition dates to at least the 1840s.

Why are they called Nantucket Lightship Baskets?
The name developed from the association between Nantucket basketmaking and sailors aboard the South Shoal Lightship, who produced baskets for the island's growing tourist trade during the late 19th century.

Were Nantucket Lightship Baskets made aboard whaling ships?
Despite a common misconception, Nantucket Lightship Baskets are not known to have been made aboard whaling ships. Some early basketmakers were former whalers who later worked on lightships or practiced basketmaking ashore. The documented shipboard tradition developed aboard the South Shoal Lightship during the second half of the 19th century, not aboard Nantucket's whaling fleet.

What is the difference between a Nantucket Lightship Basket and a Friendship Basket?
Nantucket Lightship Basket refers to the broader basketmaking tradition. The Friendship Basket refers to a lidded purse form popularized by José Formoso Reyes in the mid-20th century.

Are Nantucket Lightship Baskets still made today?
Yes! The craft continues through professional makers, teachers, and enthusiasts around the world. Contemporary basketmakers produce both traditional forms and innovative designs using new shapes, materials, and decorative techniques.

 

Publication Information and References

Author biography
Bridget Wiatrowski is the founder of Whale Tail Weaving, a design brand rooted in the tradition of Nantucket Lightship Basketry. Raised by a Nantucket Lightship Basket weaver who also worked in fashion, Bridget draws on her family’s connection to the craft, historical research, and firsthand experience to explore its evolution and contemporary applications.

Historical references

1. Michael R. Harrison, “A Short History of Nantucket Baskets,” Nantucket Historical Association.

https://nha.org/research/nantucket-history/history-topics/a-short-history-of-nantucket-baskets/

2. Stuart M. Frank, “The Real R. Folger, Maker of Nantucket Baskets,” Antiques and the Arts Weekly, March 2015.

https://www.antiquesandthearts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Nantucket.pdf

3. Nantucket Historical Association, “Jose Formoso Reyes and Friendship Baskets,” The Inquirer and Mirror, June 27, 2024.

https://www.ack.net/lifestyle/jose-formoso-reyes-and-friendship-baskets/article_831b23a0-2f37-11ef-87eb-3bd8334265a3.html

4. Prospect Hill Cemetery, “José Formosa Reyes,” biographical profile.

https://www.prospecthillcemetery.com/stories?item=30846