Mae Chandlee Foss Who Passed Away on 12 August, 2003
URHOBO'S CONDOLENCES
Professor Perkins Foss is a man who shares two cultures. An
American
from New England, he has adopted Urhobo culture since he stayed and
studied at Evwreni during his days as a Peace Corps volunteer in the
era of
President John Kennedy in the 1960s. He speaks Urhobo with a fluency
that intrigues many of our young folks. He understands Urhobo culture
with a degree of refinement that is well beyond the naiveté of
outsiders. He has a chieftaincy title as well as an eponym of Oyibo
r' Edjo that underscores his affection for Urhobo
culture.
In April 1967, Perk's parents visited him in Urhoboland. They were the
guests of the late Chief Adogbeji Salubi at Ovu where his father was
received in ritual ceremonies especially organized in his honour. A
good number of these experiences will be reflected in his forthcoming
book on Urhobo arts. We are all beholden to Perkins Foss for helping to
cultivate high regard for Urhobo arts and culture in international
scholarship.
From left: Wilson P. Foss (guest) Mrs. Salubi (hostess) Mae Chandlee Foss (guest) Susan C. Moore (guest) Chief T.E.A. Salubi (host)
We hope, therefore, that Perkins will allow us to grieve with him the
passing away of his beloved mother on 12 August, 2003, in a special
Urhobo way. We understand that
New England customs would regard this occasion as a family affair, to
which mourners are by invitation only. Urhobo mourning is more robust
and much more open. We all feel compelled to participate in the loss of
a woman who bore a son who has contributed so much grace to the
understanding of Urhobo culture. We salute her life and wish her a
happy and peaceful passage to the Great Beyond.
If Perkins' many friends in Urhoboland became aware of the loss of his
mother, they would want to join in the celebration of her passage. On
behalf of all Urhobos, Urhobo Historical Society mourns with Perkins
Foss the passing away of a great woman.
