Joseph "Paa Joe" Tetteh Ashong, (Ghanaian, born 1947)

'Just do it, Just did it' 213 (l) x 64 (w) x 105cm (h) (84 x 25 3/16 x 41 1/2in)

'Just do it, Just did it'
inscribed with title
carved and painted wooden coffin with textile laces and interior
213 (l) x 64 (w) x 105cm (h) (84 x 25 3/16 x 41 1/2in)

Born in 1945, Paa Joe first learned to sculpt his famous fantasy coffins in the small town of Teshie, located on the outskirts of the Ghanaian capital Accra. Now exhibited in museums and galleries across the world, these coffins were originally meant to be appreciated for a small amount of time prior to burial. For the Ga community, to which Paa Joe belongs, funerals are a vitally important celebration. Ceremonies take many months to plan, and can last up to a week. These coffins are at the heart of the spectacle, specially commissioned to commemorate and honour the profession or hobby of the deceased.

The present lot has been carved and painted in the style of the Nike Air Jordan trainer. Popular in the 1980s, this coffin would be suited to someone enthusiastic about basketball and American culture.