Bryn- Ghanaian Coffin Makers

Ghanaian Coffin Makers
Bryn Pennetti ~ Drawing: The Imagination
Beginings
-Figurative palanquins, early 20th
century
-1950, Greater Accra Region
-Only used by chiefs/priests
-Respected symbols of family
-Spread to local use
-Kane Kwei, Ataa Oko, others
Cont.
-Represented clan/ancestors
-Spiritual symbols
-Magical powers
-Protection
-Shows something important
to the deceased
Materials
-Wood resistant to pests
-Ofram/ African Mahogany
-Sanded
-Coated, primed
-Painted and trimmed
-Expensive (wood)
Process Photos
Ataa Oko, 1919
-Most Famous
-Carpenter and Artist
-Inspired by Acra, began building in 1945
-Own style
-Unknown in Western cultures
-Exhibited work towards end of life
-Died 2012
Kane Kwei, 1922
-Worked in seclusion
-Made coffins for clan elders
-Art introduced to West in 1970’s
-Trained by father
-Ex: carved an onion-shaped coffin for village elders who made fortune in
growing onions, also a staple of local diet
Modern Designers
-Eric Adjetey Anang
-Runs Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop
-Grandson of Kane Kwei
-Paa Joe, 1947
-exhibitions all over world
Bibliography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_coffin
http://ghanacoffin.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kane_Kwei_Carpentry_Workshop
http://caacart.com/pigozzi-artist.php?i=Kane-Kwei-Samuel&bio=en&m=67