Prayer/promise basket by Marjorie Bonney

Promise/prayer baskets are made with small paper scrolls which contain bible verses. Marjorie Bonney picked up her knowledge of making promise/prayer baskets from her mother, at Mount Margaret, and is still making them in the original style, using raffia, cardboard, paper scrolls and sandalwood. Marjorie grew up in Mount Margaret and continues to live in the community. Mount Margaret Mission, south of Laverton, was established in 1921 by Rod Schenck. His wife Isobel May joined the Mission in 1923. She taught the women crafts such as spinning hair and fur and making promise/prayer baskets and raffia products. Mount Margaret stopped operating as a Mission in 1975, however, the community of Mount Margaret still remains.