8" X 3.5"
Water Willow and Juniper Seed
FRANCE
THIS IS AN ONGOING ITEM!

We met Nicolas over three years ago at the Saturday market in Apt, France. I was enticed by his potato basket as well as his baby rattle. The rattle is made of 7 strands of water willow and 7 juniper seeds. The willow grows in a stream near his house. The history of the rattle is not exactly known but Nicolas was told it was made as a baptism gift, the number 7 representing the seven deadly sins or the seven sacraments. When viewed from the top one will notice the spiral, it can hypnotize! Regardless, it is pretty with its interesting weaving style and it makes a very curious sound for children. Over time the willow will grow darker. Provence was historically known for its basket making, Cadenet being a center of production. Now there are very few basket makers left. We like being able to support Nicolas in his work.