These May Look Like Sculptures, But They’re Something Far More Bizarre.

Ghana artist Paa Joe’s work is featured in international art festivals and several museums around the world. Joe also happens to be one of the most famous fantasy coffin makers in the world.

Fantasy coffins are specialized caskets made by Ghana’s best carpenters. Each coffin is personalized based on the deceased’s occupation, passions, likes, or anything familiar that can allow them to hold on to their passions for whatever comes next.

What makes Paa Joe’s coffin’s special is that he is open to creating a coffin that represents the modern pleasures of 2014 (a Mercedes Benz, for instance). He does this while keeping his work consistent with the traditions of ancient Ghana. Joe was taught by the master carpenter Kane Kwei, who he served his apprenticeship under. Kwei was one the first fantasy coffin carpenters to break through to the western world.

I wonder what Paa Joe would make my coffin look like. Probably a piece of pizza. I’ve always loved pizza, and with Paa Joe’s work, maybe I can take that love to the grave.