 |
 |
In the 1950s, when someone died in the village of Picerno in
Basilicata, it was customary to hold a viewing of the body in the home.
For two days, friends and relatives could visit the deceased and the
family members. Elderly women mourned the deceased. But they did more
than cry. Clapping their hands to keep time, they accompanied their
tears with a cantilena describing the person's achievements, character
and kindness, as well as the highlights of his or her life.
 |
|
(1) Crucifix
Italy
c. 1890
Wood, plaster
Lent by Francesco De Carli
(2) Crucifix
Italy
Early 20th century
Wood
Lent by Francesco De Carli
(3) Cherub figurines
Campania region, Italy
1957
Wood, gesso, paint, gilt
Lent by Germana Brunke |
 |
|
(1) Crucifix (detail) |
 |
|
(2) Crucifix |
This was how many Italian immigrants learned from childhood to face
death. They were familiar with it and learned to view this difficult
moment as an inevitable aspect of life, rather than a taboo subject to
be relegated to specialized institutions. They also learned to turn it
into a collective experience, a time when the person who is dying and the immediate family
are not left to face their pain, sorrow and mourning alone. They came to
believe that death does not erase the importance of the time spent with
those we loved, nor does it put an end to our presence among the
living ... as long as we continue to live in their memory.
|
|
 |
