Regula Tschumi social anthropologist photographer

Figurative Coffins and Funerals

The Ga people of Ghana are renowned for their unique figurative coffins, which are often shaped to represent the deceased person's profession. However, these coffins may also depict a family totem or be inspired by a proverb. Used in the Greater Accra region since the 1950s, they have become an integral part of local burial culture. Today, they are also used outside the region and even outside Ghana, as they have become popular in the Western art market.
I have been photographing these coffins at funerals in Ghana since 2003. Over the years, I have observed many significant changes. Notably, the past decade has seen the emergence of numerous new styles of coffin created by young, innovative artists, and funeral ceremonies have also evolved.
This album showcases some recent funerals featuring coffins by the artists Eric Kpakpo, Kudjoe Affutu, Samuel Tawiah and Kwaku Hanson. All of these artists were formerly apprenticed to the renowned coffin artist Paa Joe, who is now retired.