Lydia and Emma Soctomah are Passamaquoddy weavers who represent the next generation of Wabanaki basketmakers.\u00a0 The two sisters’ baskets draw inspiration from their grandmother, Molly Neptune Parker, and celebrate the cultural traditions of their community Motahkomikuk.\u00a0 Their works feature flower top baskets and a family hallmark form that has been passed down for generations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basketry was a major part of the family\u2019s life, especially its matriarch Molly Neptune Parker, who passed the tradition on to her daughters and grandchildren. Molly was a board member of the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance, which offered community workshops where young and old were taught how to weave and braid sweetgrass. Emma and Lydia participated in these events as well as spending time learning from their grandmother and other family members, including Geo Neptune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n