The influence of your ancestors

The Ga people  of Southern Ghana regard their ancestors as more powerful than the living.  When someone dies they carry a lot of influence over how you live your life. 
   It's extremely important to get on the right side of the dead.  One way to achieve this is through having a uniquely designed coffin which highlights how 'big a cheese' the recently departed was.  
  The coffin is hidden away until the day of the funeral.  Coffins shaped like chairs or swords carry a magical and religious status reserved for those of suitable importance.  Lions, cockerels and crabs represent clan totems.  Only the head of the family gets one.  Families will pay up to a years salary for the right coffin.

An evening of life, death, cake and contemplation

24^th October 7.00 pm - 9.00pm

At the Woolpit Institute (1^st floor)

The Street, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds IP30 9QN

For more information see blog entries below