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Alphonso Jennings of Lamont learned to make white oak baskets from his late grandmother, Lucreaty Clark, when he served as her apprentice in 1983. Ms. Clark learned the white oak basket tradition from her parents and in-laws. Following in his grandmother's footsteps, Jennings has gained a reputation of making finely-crafted, functional baskets that will last a lifetime.

His apprentice, Michael Steen of Monticello, says the baskets have been used in his community for generations. He began working with Jennings about two years ago. The intensive apprenticeship gives Steen an opportunity to further develop his basket making skills - skills he wants to pass on to his three sons.