I am a basketmaker, designer and teacher of basketry using hand-pounded black ash on specialized molds to weave my custom Shaker and Nantucket baskets and basket purses. The Nantucket and Shaker style baskets I design and weave are unique, particularly in the Midwest United States.
Nantucket basketry originated in the 1800′s off the island of Nantucket by the lightship crews using very hardy materials for long-lasting and durable baskets.
Shaker basketry originated in the 1700′s by the Shaker community originating in New York and spreading to a few other communities. Shaker baskets are known for their precise cutting and evenness of their weave and the style of their furniture and other goods exemplifying simplicity, order and balance for which the Shaker community is known worldwide. Although Shaker basketry ended over a hundred years ago, through the work of Martha Wetherbee and Nathan Taylor as told in their book “SHAKER BASKETS,” the lost art of the techniques of Shaker basketry can be learned and enjoyed by basketweavers and art lovers today.
Comments on: "Mary Makuta – designer of custom Nantucket and Shaker style baskets" (2)
I have a Nantucket signed purse dated 1965 made by Jose Formoso Reyes. Lid with ivory whale on black oval,condition good needs minor repair to secure lid. Do you do repairs? I live in lake st. louis. Do you every buy od purses? Thank you for a reply.
Hi Lynn – I would love to see your purse made by Jose Formoso Reyes. I can talk with you about your repairs. You can contact me at my email address at mmakuta@earthlink.net and I may be interested in purchasing a purse. Thank you for your message. Mary