Harrison Owen on dancing with the devil
Raffi Aftendelian unearthed a beautiful gem today. Writing on the OSLIST, he quoted something Harrison Owen had written 40 years ago when he was unknowingly being inspired to create Open Space Technology. As a text to a photo essay on life in a Liberian village, Harrison wrote:
A very special part
of any village celebration
is the appearance of the various “devils.”
The word devil is very misleading,
and was undoubtedly
the unwanted gift
of an early missionary
The devils are not evil,
but rather represent
a respected (albeit feared)
part of the village.
Nothing of importance happens
unless they appear and dance.
In their appearance,
all aspects of the village
are brought together-dance,
music, government, and religion.
When the “Devil” dances, life goes on.***
In the village,
all things go in a circle,
and everything fits.
To speak of the drums
is to speak of the dance,
is to speak of the Devils…Weaving and Forging
Fire and Steel- the Bush
Life, Death and Life again.
Ain’t that something? Another little tidbit to add to the nascent beginning of Open Space.
cher chris,
yes, the book is full of many assorted yummies, including:
“The Liberian village is a human creation designed
to make life possible and meaningful in the rain forest. Steep pitched thatched roofs shield the sun and deflect the torrential rains, The elements are simple and functional, providing the context for human living.”
“When the time for play comes,
it may take many forms.
for this young lady
who is bathing her doll,
it is serious business indeed.”
(I’m enjoying the new spelling for my last name- now if only *I* could pronounce it!)
greetings from down the coast,
r
Thanks…wonder why I had that spelling in my head…I must associate you with Denali in Alaska…a mountain of a man!
Corrected…