Friday, September 16, 2011

Looking at Liberian culture through photographs

A spectator's image is reflected in the window of a waiting truck as pallbearers load the coffin of R. Barclay, a respected community leader, following funeral services at Shiloh Baptist Church in Virginia, Liberia. Virginia gained its name from  former slaves from Virginia in the United States who settled the area in the first half of the 1800s.  Shiloh was founded in 1864. Photos by: Gabriel B. Tait






Members of  Shiloh Baptist Church begin their one mile walk through the tall grasses to the burial site of R. Barclay following funeral services at the church.
The grandchildren of R. Barclay stand united as they mourn her death.  According to a family member funerals serve as a ritualistic time for members of the community to reconcile their differences and unite in honor of their loss love one.
Last week I was invited to attend a funeral.  As one can imagine, this was not my first choice on how to spend a Saturday in Liberia, but I went to learn.  The church was packed. It was literally standing room only.  I would learn the deceased was a respected member of the community.  She was a person whose Christian life was a witness to others.  





2 comments:

Dr. Lewis T. Tait, Jr. said...

The photos tell a significant story of how a people deal with life and loss of life. Their faces show their anguish and their emotions are present. This is in contrast to how some europeans deal with lose.

Asbury African said...

Hey Gabe, great job showing us beyond your sight. It appears you are off to a great start with your research. Our prayers are with you. Some of your colleagues will sit for the exam in a week's time and will soon follow you into the field. Good speed, bro. . .

Robert Magoola, ATS.