Coffin

The mercedes benz coffin is a popular model of sculptural coffin used by the Ga people living in the coastal area near Accra and neighbouring towns. This type of coffin is known internationally as fantasy coffins. They are called locally abebu adekai, meaning containers of proverbs. They are commisioned by the children of a deceased person to commemorate and celebrate his or her life achievements and success. The mercedes benz is the symbol of economic and business succcess. It would be selected for a successful business person, whether or not he or she owned such a car during their life. This coffin was commissioned from the Paa Joe workshop on July 18, 2009. The piece was produced starting from a display room and finished coffin which was completed and painted as a result of the commission. Paa Joe is the most well known coffin maker among the ones presently working in Accra. His international reputation has grown in the 1990s after the death of his master Kane Kwei in 1992. Paa Joe has produced pieces for both local and international clients for more than two decades. His work was shown at the Jack Shainman Gallery in 2005 and pieces from his work shop are part of numerous museum collections in Europe, North America and Australia. Not withstanding, Paa Joe's main business is still the production of coffins for locals funerals. His products are valued more than those from other workshops and are recognized as a status symbol in and of themselves.
The mercedes benz coffin was the first type exhibited internationally in 1989 during the Magiciens de la Terre at the Centre Pomidou in Paris and the Africa Explores exhibition at the Center for African Arts in New York in 1990.