Buried Land 03 | 100×160 cm

Description

Inspiration

Rowing souls of the dead to Britain: the ferryman of Solleveld

In 2004, a unique discovery was made at the early-medieval grave field of Solleveld, just south of the city of The Hague: a boat grave. Exactly two hundred kilometers, perfectly east, across the North Sea, of the legendary boat burial of Sutton Hoo. A not to be underestimated list. The nation’s self-esteem went through the roof. Moreover, it reminds us of the almost 1,500-years-old account of Procopius, in which this Greek historian describes how the men of this same region ferried souls of the dead to Britain. Have they, in fact, found one of those ferrymen?

Around the year 545, historian Procopius of Caesarea reported how souls of the dead are being rowed to the island Britta (Britain). It are the men who carry out this macabre job. The coast where these men live, is one dotted with many small settlements, where people fish, till the soil, and are involved in sea trade. According to Procopius, this land is under jurisdiction of the Franks, but the people do not have to pay tribute. Instead, they are tasked with the rewarding activity of dragging souls.

Procopius’ description fits very well the lower coastal regions of the Netherlands in the sixth century. Not only because of the geographical location and the economic combination of agriculture and sea trade. Also because it is descried as an area under the sphere of influence of the Franks.

The course of business for ferrying the dead was as follows: During the night, the men were awakened by a knock on their door, and by a indistinct voice calling them to do their service. Next, the men walked to the shore to find their boats prepared and ready to go. They rowed a full night and day to reach Britain. The boats were very heavy, and almost took in water. The men did not see any soul or person during the whole enterprise. The only thing they heard, was when they made landfall on the coast of Britain. A voice called out the names of the souls, mentioning their title and honour. The same happened with the souls of women who disembarked, but then their husband’s honour and position was named. After this, the men hastily rowed back across the sea, but now with a light boat, high on the water. The following night it was the turn of other men in the village to row souls to Britain.

As to why Britain ended up with all the dead souls, is not being told by Procopius. Of course, the whole story has many similarities with the Greek myth of the ferryman Charon, who ferried the dead across the River Styx. This river separated the world of the living with the world of the dead. Charon had to be paid an obol, a coin, otherwise no crossing was possible. Only, in the account of Procopius the work of Charon was divided over many men. And, the cunning Franks bought off the whole ferry fee as well, and made the Frisians do it without any payment.

Source: Frisiacoasttrail

The landscape of Solleveld and the legend inspired the artist to make this abstract painting. 

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