Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Jennifer Sapiel Neptune, a member of the Penobscot Indian Nation and renowned basketmaker, taught herself to bead after studying designs on historic Wabanaki artwork in museum collections that inspired her artwork.
Historic pieces often include three leaf botanical references, which were intended for healing. The plant on this bag depicts a water lily.
Neptune talked about her inspirations, saying, “Sometimes I imagine these old beadworkers’ spirits hovering around while I work, guiding my hands and whispering, ‘do it this way,’ and ‘put that design over there.’ A lot of our traditions have slipped away or have totally been lost. But I really believe that it’s all still out there for us–if we just ask respectfully and then know how to listen.”
About This Item
- Title: Jennifer Sapiel Neptune beaded pouch, Indian Island, 2019
- Creator: Jennifer Sapiel Neptune
- Creation Date: 2019
- Subject Date: 2019
- Location: Indian Island, Penobscot County, ME
- Media: Wool, cotton, silk, glass bead
- Dimensions: 6.5 cm x 6.5 cm
- Local Code: 2019.023
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Artists
- Beadworkers
- Indian Island (Me.)
- Native Americans--beadwork
- Penobscot Indians
- Wabanaki Indians
People
Other Keywords
- American Indians
- Ethnobotany
- Healing
- Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance
- Penobscot Indian Nation
- Plants
- Wabanaki
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
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