Nest of Nantucket lightship baskets, 2007. Karol Lindquist, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Scrimshaw by Robert Frazier, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Courtesy of National Heritage Museum and Massachusetts Cultural Council. Photography by Jason Dowdle

The Most Powerful Hand, 2003. Carlos Santiago Arroyo, Amherst, Massachusetts. Courtesy of National Heritage Museum and Massachusetts Cultural Council. Photography by Jason Dowdle

Maggie Bell weather vane, 2006. Anthony Holand, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. Courtesy of National Heritage Museum and Massachusetts Cultural Council. Photography by Jason Dowdle

Large vejigante mascara, 2007. Angel Sánchez Ortiz, Holyoke, Massachusetts. Courtesy of National Heritage Museum and Massachusetts Cultural Council. Photography by Jason Dowdle

Oud, 1992. Peter Kyvelos, Belmont, Massachusetts. Courtesy of National Heritage Museum and Massachusetts Cultural Council. Photography by Jason Dowdle