Time

Vision

Sound

0:00

Pictures start

0:02

A coffin is to reflect the soul and not just to box the body.

Here in Ghana, those sent on their last journey have gone in the most lavish and original ways.

00.25

original sound

Ben Kane Kwei

coffin artist

Those left behind order special coffins, because it shows their position in society. You can see from the coffin how rich the deceased was. For the head fisherman - a  canoe. For a farmer, for example, a corn cob. We have a lot of models to choose from.

00:51

Up until his death in 1992, Ben's father, designed hundreds of  coffins. Normal wooden coffins were far too boring for him. They didn't stretch his skills, and besides there was a market for more lavish designs. For the well-to-do, a coffin like this would cost around 500 US dollars - almost double the normal price of a straight-forward box.

1.09

The workshop produces around 100 special coffins a year. The most recent is a Mercedes. For nearly a month, 12 staff members have been cutting, carving and nailing the model. Finally, it's painted and inlaid with fabric.

1.31

In the village of Teshie there are three workshops which offer specially made coffins. The owner learnt everything from Kane Kwei.

1.43

Paa Joe is almost as famous now as his former teacher. He's built three coffins for the former US president Jimmy Carter. Not for burial, but for an exhibition.

2:01

Original sound

Paa Joe

Coffin artist

When Kane Kwei died, I chose a model for him and built it. When I die, my workers will design a coffin for me. If I had a choice it would look like one of my work tools.

2.19

Paa Joe has many models from the conventional to the fantastical.

2.33

For the nurse - perhaps a syringe. For the drinker a bottle of beer. A whiskey bottle is best avoided, for as the song goes - the Lord won't let no spirits in.

2.45

In Nsawam, 45-year old Mary Bartels has died suddenly. She was a baker and well-loved. Her husband has ordered a Mercedes coffin for her. To honour the dead,  he wants to give her a dignified transition into the next life. The entire village takes part in the funeral proceedings. The deceased is driven for the last time to her home before she's laid out in a local hall.

3.34

original sound

David Bartels

husband of deceased

She always supported me. As a baker she'd earned money for us. Now, she's no longer with us. That is so painful. To show my respect for her I've chosen a Mercedes coffin. I've done it out of love for her.

3.55

At  dawn relatives and friends of Mary Bartels will come to the room to say their goodbyes. No-one wants to miss a good funeral. Everyone donates some money towards it. A gift that may also ensure a magnificent funeral when their time comes.

4.21

Hundreds of people are pressed together outside the house. They dance the whole night through until they can see the deceased.  Funerals shape life in Ghana. Businesses close, schools are deserted. They often last for several days. People sleep wherever they can find place.

4.46

The laments dedicated to the deceased continue without respite.

5.06

It's shortly before dawn. Everyone pushes forwards. They want to be the first. The living are trying hard to put the dead in a peaceful mood in order to secure the well being of the deceased and themselves.

5.28

The last meeting with his wife is too much for David Bartels. He doesn't want to believe that she's really dead.

5.36

The village chapel has replaced the DJ from the previous night. Relatives, friends, neighbours are here to thank Mary for her friendship and generosity.

5.51

After the crush of the first hours,  women still file past Mary many times. In this way they show their respect of the dead, how inconsolable they are that she is no longer amongst them.

6.10

David Bartels shows those present how he is suffering from the death of his wife. This is the way of things in Ghana. It's a world away from stiff and sad Western burials where it's not until the gathering after the funeral that things become more relaxed.  But here pain is shown openly - mainly through laments.

6.37

Hours later the public see the Mercedes coffin for the first time. Only the closest relatives were present as Mary was bared of her jewels and bedded down in the Mercedes.

6.50

The funeral procession winds its way through the streets of the village. The coffin halts at the places which have a connection with the life of the deceased.

7.13

Young men with red headbands announce the death. They drum the message to the village to gather for the funeral.

7.25

The first missionaries to come to Ghana were Catholics who came with the Portuguese. They were followed in the 19th century by English Protestants. But the traditional religious beliefs of the population are still alive and ancestor worship continues. All influences come together at the burial.

7.54

A step daughter wants to thank Mary Bartels for her kindness. She wishes she will rise again.

8.14

The dead are honoured here because it's believed they can punish or help the lives of those remaining behind.

8.27

After the Christian service the coffin is carried in a hearse to the cemetery. The priest accepts that funeral ceremonies last several days but he doesn't necessarily approve.

8.40

Original sound (English)

Seth Odei Asare

priest

We are trying to change it. We don't want to spend that much money for a funeral. We have children that need to be educated and if we use this money to do the burial where can we get the money to finance the children. So, we don't like this. It's too expensive

9.01

Still, no cost is spared for the burial. It's an unashamed display of the affluence of the deceased, a pure matter of pride. Families often put themselves in debt to make sure they put on a good show and show proper respect to their dearly departed.

9.20

The husband and family elders leave the younger members of the family to deal with the final stage. After the service, when they are all together, everyone will make a donation. The burial and all the funeral trimmings - has cost around 8 million Cedis - approximately 3'000 US dollars. A fortune for most Ghanaeans.

9.46

But who doesn't want to travel into eternity in a Mercedes?

STILL FRAME AT 10.00

ENDS