Peter Neptune and Maggie Dana

Peter Neptune, a Passamaquoddy Elder, learned as a child how to make baskets from his father. He is renowned for his sturdy utilitarian forms –pack baskets, scale baskets, hampers, and gathering baskets–which are often ornamented with crossed splints and curlwork. Peter is a member of the Brown Ash Task Force, which seeks to protect this resource from the Emerald Ash Borer, from the loss of traditional habitat and access, as well as threats from climate change. Peter’s daughter, Maggie Dana and other members of his family, have learned to make baskets through apprenticeship programs supported by the Maine Arts Commission. Maggie, a former chief of the Passamaquoddy community at Sipayik is currently working with her father to learn this ancient art form.