d r a w i n g p r o j e c t | 1 3 d r a w i n g s f o r t h e d o v e o f d e a t h
13 drawings for the dove of death
typed text and cut-up woodcut prints on graph paper
set of thirteen drawings
8.5" x 11" approximately
the dove of death
[rig veda, 10.165, translation by wendy doniger]
[I] gods, a dove has come here seeking someone, sent as a messenger by destruction. we will sing against him; we will perform an expiation. let all be well with our two-footed creatures, all be well with our four-footed creatures. [II] let the dove that has been sent to us be kind; gods, let the bird be harmless in our houses. let the inspired agni relish our oblation. let the winged spear spare us. [III] do not let the winged spear attack us; it settles by the fireplace in the kitchen. let all be well with our cows and with our men; gods, do not let the dove harm us here. [IV] what the owl screeches is in vain; vain, too, the settling of the dove by the fire. i bow low before yama, before death, who sent this dove as a messenger. [V] drive the dove out, pushing him out with a verse. rejoicing in food, lead the cow around and wipe out all the evil traces. let it fly forth, flying its best, and leave us strength to live.
[rig veda, 10.165, translation by wendy doniger]
[I] gods, a dove has come here seeking someone, sent as a messenger by destruction. we will sing against him; we will perform an expiation. let all be well with our two-footed creatures, all be well with our four-footed creatures. [II] let the dove that has been sent to us be kind; gods, let the bird be harmless in our houses. let the inspired agni relish our oblation. let the winged spear spare us. [III] do not let the winged spear attack us; it settles by the fireplace in the kitchen. let all be well with our cows and with our men; gods, do not let the dove harm us here. [IV] what the owl screeches is in vain; vain, too, the settling of the dove by the fire. i bow low before yama, before death, who sent this dove as a messenger. [V] drive the dove out, pushing him out with a verse. rejoicing in food, lead the cow around and wipe out all the evil traces. let it fly forth, flying its best, and leave us strength to live.