Ghanaian Funeral
October 1, 2005
Sherri Paulson, Teacher Yaw and I attended the funeral service of Yaa Tutuaa, the mother of our seamstress Yaa. The deceased was only 48 years old at the time of her death. We arrived at the home where the service was held, approximately 8:45am.
Early in the morning the body is brought out and laid on a bed for viewing. They decorate this area where the bed is, with white lace, sheets, etc. We arrived while the viewing of the body was just finishing up. The casket was sitting to the side, for people to view also.
When the viewing of the body is finished, the immediate family holds up a sheet the rest of the visitors, so they can transport the body from the bed into the casket. I was privelaged to be able to accompany the family behind the sheet, and photograph the transport of the body.
First, in the casket is money, covered by a white sheet, this is because they believe the deceased is going on to another world, and would need money when they get there.
On top of this they laid a mat, covering the entire bottom of the casket.