The Nantucket Lightship Baskets developed during the 19th century. Basket materials were readily available in the forest and ports along the Northeast US coastline. The baskets have a wooden base from which staves extend. The weaving material for these baskets was usually cane material, a ballast and packing material discarded along the seaports of Massachusetts. Old masts were cut to various widths and heights to create basket molds that would allow a set of baskets to be nested neatly together. Basket designs continue to make this a truly American basket.