Geo Soctomah Neptune facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geo Neptune
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| Niskapisuwin | |
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| Born | 1988 (age 36–37) |
| Nationality | American, Passamaquoddy Tribe |
| Education | Indian Township School, Gould Academy, Dartmouth College |
| Known for | black-ash basketry, Indigenous rights activism, Drag performance |
| Elected | Indian Township School Board |
Geo Soctomah Neptune is a talented artist and activist from Indian Township, Maine. They are a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Geo is known for many things, including making beautiful baskets, telling stories, and working to help their community. They also perform as a model and educator. Geo Neptune uses they/them pronouns.
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Becoming a Master Basket Maker
Geo Neptune first learned to make baskets from their grandmother, Molly Neptune Parker. Molly was a famous Passamaquoddy elder and master basket weaver. Geo started asking their grandmother to teach them when they were only four years old.
At first, their grandmother told them to wait until they were older. But Geo was very determined! They found another elder who taught them some basics. Then, Geo showed their grandmother the first basket they had made.
Soon after, when Geo turned five, they began weaving baskets with their grandmother. This was the start of a lifelong journey. Geo learned so much from Molly, who passed away in 2020. Today, Geo Neptune is a master basket maker, just like their grandmother.
Geo's baskets are very special. They mix their family's traditional woven flowers with natural items like twigs and branches. This creates a unique, artistic style. Their baskets are often described as whimsical and elegant.
Passamaquoddy people have made baskets for a long time. They use materials like birch, maple, and spruce. Today, a wood called brown ash (or black ash) is very important for basketry.
Long ago, the Passamaquoddy people moved with the seasons. They used bark, wood, and roots from the forests. They also used sweetgrass and cattails from wetlands. These materials helped them make useful bags and containers.
Later, a new tradition began: "fancy baskets." These were decorative baskets sold to tourists. Usually, men made the useful baskets, and women made the fancy ones. For Geo, weaving with their grandmother and other women in their tribe was very meaningful. It helped them understand their own identity.
In 2021, Geo Neptune received a special award for their work. It was a $50,000 fellowship from United States Artists. Geo plans to keep making traditional art to honor their grandmother. They also work in other creative areas, like drag performance, tattooing, and jewelry making.
Art Exhibitions
Geo Neptune's amazing basketry has been shown in art galleries. Here are some of the places their work has been featured:
- "You Can't Get There From Here: 2015 Portland Museum of Art Biennial" in Portland, Maine. This show ran from October 2015 to January 2016.
- "Sharing Honors and Burdens: Renwick Invitational 2023" at the Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. This exhibition was open from May 2023 to March 2024.
Cultural Identity and Activism
Geo Neptune is a strong voice for Indigenous rights. They became an advocate during a worldwide movement called Idle No More. This movement works against unfair treatment of Native people and their lands.
Geo identifies as Two-Spirit. This term is used by some Indigenous people to describe their gender, spiritual, or sexual identity. It connects to ancient traditions and ways of understanding oneself within Native communities. In 2018, Geo made a video to help educate people about what Two-Spirit means.
Drag Performance
In 2006, Geo Neptune started performing as their drag character, "Lyzz Bien." This is another way they express their creativity and identity.
Community Leadership
In September 2020, Geo Neptune made history. They were elected to the school board in Indian Township. This made them the first openly transgender elected official in Maine. They were also the first Two-Spirit person to run for any state office.
On the school board, Geo wants to help students and teachers learn more about Passamaquoddy culture. They also hope to help bring back the native language.
