Stave and Cane: Nantucket Baskets at the Cahoon Museum of American Art

The Cahoon Museum of American Art invites visitors to experience Stave and Cane: Nantucket Baskets, a compelling exhibition celebrating one of coastal New England's most iconic and enduring craft traditions, opening Wednesday, June 10th. Deeply rooted in Nantucket Island's history, these baskets reflect a rich intersection of maritime culture, Nantucket Lightship history, and Wampanoag weaving traditions, stories that continue to shape the region's cultural identity today.

Originally created as practical objects for storage and transport, Nantucket baskets evolved in the nineteenth century into highly sought-after works of craftsmanship. Made from rattan staves and cane, these baskets demonstrate how simple materials can be transformed through skill, patience, and artistic vision into objects of lasting beauty. Over generations, makers have passed down techniques while also pushing the boundaries of the form, resulting in a vibrant continuum of tradition and innovation.

Stave and Cane brings this evolution to life by tracing the origins of Nantucket basketry and showcasing the work of contemporary artists who honor and reinterpret the tradition. For the community, this exhibition is more than a display of craft; it reflects shared heritage, celebrates local artistry, and offers an opportunity to connect with the stories and makers who keep this tradition alive. It reinforces the Cahoon Museum's role as a steward of regional culture and a place where history and creativity meet.

Co-curated by Nantucket basket maker John Kaminski and Cahoon Museum Curator Leeann Ream, the exhibition offers both depth and perspective, inviting visitors to appreciate the artistry, innovation, and cultural significance of Nantucket baskets.
Sponsored by
Paul Madden Antiques
Eldred's
Sullivan and Sullivan Auctioneers
Joyce Landscaping
D.E.L.S. Nantuckets
William Babcock
Bruce and Polly Behrens
Anne Bockhoff
Jessica Rapp Grassetti and Carl Grassetti
Grant and Susan Pattison
Janice and Bruce Richards

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Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3598917-2?pid=2874

Category: Arts | Visual Arts | Museum