The Kishie – A traditional Shetland basket
Scotland and the islands off its north coast are steeped in tradition and heritage. Although these areas are technically part of the Unbound Kingdom, many natives still consider themselves a separate entity from their English neighbors and cling to their own culture and beliefs.
Until the early 1600s, England and Scotland were two different countries and were usually at war with each other. When Queen Elizabeth I of England died childless, her cousin James VI of Scotland became the first Stuart king of England and the union of the two countries had begun. This unification was legally completed in 1707 by Queen Anne and was a bitter pill to swallow for most Scots.
Even today, many Scottish nationalists want to be as separate from England as possible. In recent years these men and women have been given their own parliament which is separate from the English government, although the English parliament still retains the right to pass or disapprove any measure this Scottish ruling party passes. So Scotland is not yet a fully independent entity.
People living on the islands surrounding Scotland were much further removed from the British scene due to the isolation these areas provided. Even when Scotland was a separate country with its own rulers, these natives were law among them. Controlled by the clans, these communities traded with their Scottish kings rather than being ruled by them. This situation led to the development of trades and individual skills that are only found in this part of the world.
One of the crafts that developed in the Shetland Islands was kishie basket weaving. Manufactured since ancient times, these containers were made to transport potatoes, peat, grains and seeds. It was also used to transport goods to and from the local market. To illustrate the importance of these containers to the agricultural life of these islands, “Kishie-fills” was the method in which all important crops were measured.
The kishie basket was designed with a strap, which was called a “fettel” by the natives. This allowed shippers to sling the container on their backs, freeing their hands. When used in pairs, these baskets could be placed on either side of the stout Shetland ponies that were used as pack animals in this part of the world.
The kishie slippers were made from black Shetland oats. This oats were arranged in bundles called “hjogs” and held in place by two-wire ropes called “simmins.”
Although these Shetland baskets are no longer used for practical purposes, a renewed interest in Shetland history has led to these containers becoming valuable collector’s items. The art of weaving this type of basket has also begun to be transmitted to foreigners in the island communities.
One of the leading kishie basket weavers in the Shetland Islands is Ewan Balfour. This Shetlander learned his trade from Lowrie Copland, the last traditional basket weaver in Shetland. This young man now travels to various shows and schools sharing his knowledge with young people from a variety of places and backgrounds. He also shares many other aspects of island life with them.
The kishie basket is an important element in the culture and history of the Shetland Islands. Thanks to the efforts of Ewan Balfour and other Shetland basket weavers, the art of making these vessels is sure to live on for future generations.
