Paa Joe (Ghanaian, born 1945). <em>Coffin in the Form of a Nike Sneaker</em>, mid–1990s. Wood, pigment, metal, fabric, 29 x 80 x 22 1/2 in. (73.7 x 203.2 x 57.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Lynne and Robert Rubin in honor of William C. Siegmann, 2000.71. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2000.71_PS6.jpg)

Coffin in the Form of a Nike Sneaker

Artist:Paa Joe

Medium: Wood, pigment, metal, fabric

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:mid–1990s

Dimensions: 29 x 80 x 22 1/2 in. (73.7 x 203.2 x 57.2 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 2000.71

Image: 2000.71_PS6.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
The object is a coffin with a lid in the shape of a right-foot sneaker. It is made from pieced wooden panels. The coffin and lid are joined by two hinges at the proper right side and a yellow fabric strip attached to the coffin on the proper left corner of the lid. The exterior surfaces of both the coffin and the lid are painted. A red fabric is attached on the interior bottom of the coffin and the underside of the lid. The sides of the interior are padded with sponge foam that is covered with a yellow fabric. The edge of the lid's interior and the edge of the yellow fabric on the coffin are covered with a decorative fabric tape. Representing a shoe lace are twelve painted wooden sticks, each attached with nails at either end. The object is structurally in fair condition. A number of areas overall exhibit losses, breaks, splits, cracks and dents. There are surface stains and paint losses. The interior fabrics are in good condition.

Brooklyn Museum