Hog Island. Offerings to the Gods 1918

Thornton Oakley made this drawing, "Hog Island. Offerings to the Gods", depicting the frenetic construction of a shipyard, likely during the First World War. See how the laborers on the scaffolding are poised around a fiery crucible, smoke rising like incense, an offering to unseen forces. This scene echoes ancient rituals; the posture of the workers is reminiscent of priests tending a sacred flame. The motif of offering to the gods is ancient, found in the burnt offerings of the Old Testament, the libations of the Greeks, and countless other traditions. These offerings were made to ensure success and protection. Consider how the motif has transformed: here, fire is not part of a religious ritual but symbolizes the industrial might of early 20th century America. The collective memory of ritual sacrifice is sublimated into the collective effort of industrial production. The act of building, even amidst noise and smoke, becomes a sacred act, imbued with hope and the desire for a prosperous future. The cyclical return of this motif demonstrates our ongoing need to seek favor from forces beyond our control, no matter how advanced our civilization becomes.