Lot 21: GERALD LAZARE (1927-) AND LEWIS PARKER (1926-2011)

GERALD LAZARE (1927-) AND LEWIS PARKER (1926-2011)
BURIAL OF THE DROWNED (RELIGION 4); MIXED MEDIA; SIGNED BY BOTH ARTIST LOWER RIGHT
20" x 22" - 50 x 55 cm.

Note: A label on the reverse of this artwork explains, "Believing the sky angry when anyone is drowned or dies of cold, the Huron have a special ceremony.
The body is stretched on a mat by a ditch and cut into sections marked out by coal. Men chosen by the relatives vie with each other in cutting up the body while being encouraged by the grieving women.
The whole family is present in mourning.
Finally, stripped of flesh and the entrails, which are burnt, the carcass is buried in the ditch. This ceremony ensures the soul's arrival in a special heaven."

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