Guernsey ponier à cou are traditional Guernsey fishing baskets. These baskets are made by basket maker Claire Gaudion and this heritage craft has been in her family for generations.
The baskets are traditionally handcrafted with willow, a wire frame, a wooden handle (usually hazel) and a natural hemp rope strap, creating a very strong utilitarian basket. Their curved front and flat back, make them ideal to be worn over the shoulder, or hung on the wall.
These baskets were traditionally used for fishing or foraging for ormers on the shoreline. Ormers are a Guernsey shellfish delicacy which may only be gathered from January to April, at the full or new moon, and the following two days.
Approximate sizes, excluding rope strap: small W 26 x D 17 x H 23 cm, medium W 34 x D 21 x H 29 cm, large W 40 x D 25 x H 32 cm.
Willow varieties vary in colour from honey toned to red-brown hues.
