Vraic panniers were probably worn by Guernsey donkeys on a packsaddle to hold the seaweed gathered from the island’s beaches.
These are large, sturdy baskets with a rounded front and flat back. Rope straps are spliced onto the basket border at the back. Ideal for seaweed gathering or as a log basket.
Made in buff and brown, sustainably-grown, Somerset willow.
I have been researching these large baskets in Guernsey. To my knowledge, these are the first baskets of this type to be made in recent times, based on historical examples from the National Trust of Guernsey, Folk Museum collection.
Approx sizes:
Medium: height 32 cm, circumference at widest point 150 cm, circumference at top 125 cm, 53 cm width at widest point, 40 cm depth, front to back.
Large : height 42 cm, circumference at widest point 175 cm, circumference at top 150 cm, 58cm width at widest point, and 48cm depth, front to back.
