Artikel lesen

Artworks for prestige burials from Ghana in Hamburg

Hamburg - in an oversized bottle of beer or a huge black men's shoe as a casket to begin the final journey, is not the European idea of a reasonable funeral. In Ghana's capital Accra, however the coloured sculpture-coffins made ​​of wood are considered as a status symbol and as a expression of wealth and prosperity of the deceased. In the museum at the Ohlsdorf cemetery in Hamburg some of the African coffin creations are showcased under the theme "A fish for the final resting."

Traditionally at funeral and funeral feast in the West African country no expense are been spared. Only since about 50 years  the cult of the sculpture coffins exists, founded by the artist Kane Kwei, said Africa expert and former director of the Hamburg Museum of Ethnology, Wulf Lohse, at the opening on Thursday. About half a year's salary of a craftsman, from 1,000 Marks upwards costs a colourful lacquered coffin. "Most often the Mercedes Benz as a status symbol for the successful businessman is selected", said Lohse.

In a flour sack to the afterlife

Also popular is the six-foot-long spring onion with its lush leeks, which is internally lined with white satin. Even a bag of flour - probably for a baker - shall make sure a dignified transition to the afterlife. The coffin sculptures show here a remarkable realism: on the beer bottle labelled. "Club Beer- The distinguished Lager" is not just the alcohol content listed, but also the date of expire. "The huge black shoe is entirely in the Budapest style of custom-made, with painted lace pattern and is considered the Mercedes of the shoes" said Lohse.

According to oral tradition, Kwei from the ethnic group of the Ga established the tradition with a coffin in the shape of a giant fish for his great-aunt, a wealthy fishmonger. Since then the conspicuous coffins enjoy increasing popularity. In the village near the capital Teshie, two families are busy with manufacturing these coffins. But also collectors from overseas have discovered this final resting place for their deceased loved ones in the meantime for themselves.

To encumber with debts for the funeral

After all, with the colourful coffins the Ghanaians drew on an ancient tradition, at which the headmen have been laid in decorated wooden boxes to rest. All others had to be satisfied with blankets or mats. According to Lohse, the Ghanaians often over years encumber themselves with debts for the funeral service.

The dead are almost more important than the living, because the family is understood as a community of the living, the dead and the unborn. The family is under obligation of making ancestor worship and sacrificial offerings; because they believe that their former relatives in the afterlife might affect the earthly existence. Therefore, often a magnificent funeral that lasts several weeks, should serve as a best ticket into the world of the dead, explained Lohse.

At the Ohlsdorf Park-Cemetery according to the Hamburg cemetery rules and regulations could also these Ghanaian coffins, whether in bottle or fish form, be buried. It matters at the funeral less on the form as to the material. And these coffins from Ghana are entirely made out of wood, said press spokeswoman Sabine Blum.