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Sketches in Australia - Aboriginal Mode of the Disposal of the Dead, 1857. Creator: Unknown
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Sketches in Australia - Aboriginal Mode of the Disposal of the Dead, 1857. Creator: Unknown
Sketches in Australia - Aboriginal Mode of the Disposal of the Dead, 1857....the corpse is placed on a platform of wickerwork, attached to poles, and raised to a considerable height above the ground, so as to prevent the native dogs (a species which resembles a mixture of the wolf and jackal) from getting at the body, and devouring it...It should be observed that the vultures which are seen descending on the corpse are regarded as friendly visitants. No impediment is presented to their consuming the body, but rather an invitation is given by the exposure of the dead to their voracious appetites...The natives...are fast disappearing, through the ravages of intoxication and disease, combined with occasional warfare; and but a few years more will suffice for the now scanty population to become extinct'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image, titled "Sketches in Australia - Aboriginal Mode of the Disposal of the Dead," is a 19th century wood engraving from the Illustrated London News. The photograph captures a poignant and intriguing glimpse into the traditional practices of the Aboriginal people of Australia regarding the disposal of their deceased. The corpse is depicted on a wickerwork platform, raised high above the ground on poles, to keep it out of reach of the native dogs, a species resembling a mixture of the wolf and jackal. The vultures circling above are not seen as a threat, but rather as friendly visitors, invited to consume the body. The caption accompanying the image, from the Illustrated London News in 1857, laments the fact that the Aboriginal population was rapidly declining due to intoxication, disease, and occasional warfare. The author predicts that 'but a few years more will suffice for the now scanty population to become extinct.' This haunting image, with its stark contrasts of black and white, offers a poignant reminder of the cultural practices and traditions that were rapidly disappearing in the mid-19th century. The inclusion of the vultures, with their ominous presence, adds an ecological dimension to the scene, highlighting the interconnectedness of life and death in the natural world. The wood engraving, with its intricate details and delicate shading, is a testament to the skill of the engraver, capturing the essence of a moment in time that has long since passed. This poignant image serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions and the natural world, both of which are essential components of our collective heritage.
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