“Red Herring”

A red herring is a deliberate attempt to divert attention.

This basket is made using the four basic criteria associated with making a Nantucket Lightship basket.

1. Must be made over a mold.


2. Must have a wooden base.


3. Must be woven with pacific caning.


4. Must have a nailed rim.

The red herring basket is made using a white oak base and rim. Staves are hand pounded black ash. The red staves are dyed with a hand mixed custom color to tie in the stand with the basket. This basket is woven in the single strand tradition.

If you look close at the basket you will notice that the inside and the outside of the basket have different weaving techniques, which gives it the appearance of two baskets in one.

Can you guess how it’s done?

The stand is made from solid cherry and the top is formed to fit the basket.

This basket and stand are heirloom quality and is sure to be a conversation piece for years to come.

This basket is made by Ken Oliver at

Oliver’s Twist Gallery

52 Indian Way

Eastham, MA 02642

508-864-3762