Paa Joe, born Joseph Ashong in 1947 in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, is an internationally recognized master craftsman and artist, renowned for his elaborate "fantasy coffins." These unique coffins, which are integral to the cultural and funeral practices in parts of Ghana, are designed to reflect the lives, interests, and aspirations of the deceased, embodying shapes like animals, automobiles, and objects that hold special meaning.
Paa Joe's journey as an artist began as an apprentice to Kane Kwei, another coffin artist in Teshie, Ghana, who is often credited with popularizing the art form internationally. After mastering his craft under Kwei, Paa Joe established his own workshop in 1976 in Nungua. His work has not only provided a significant cultural narrative within Ghana but has also garnered a global audience, earning exhibitions in museums and galleries around the world, such as the British Museum in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
His artistic contributions extend beyond traditional boundaries, making profound statements about life, death, and identity. Paa Joe's work challenges the perceptions of what art can be and has played a pivotal role in elevating craft to be recognized as fine art on the global stage.
Paa Joe's fantasy coffins continue to inspire a new generation of artists both within Ghana and internationally, contributing to a vibrant dialogue between contemporary art and traditional practices.