The Akans, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana, have a rich history of documenting family portraits of the deceased through sculpture. This practice, which served as a way to commemorate African ancestors, was disrupted by colonialism, leading to a misrepresentation of Ancestor Veneration in Africa.
Ghanaian artist and educator Kwame Akoto-Bamfo is actively working to reignite interest in traditional African funerary practices through his art and educational initiatives. His work first gained widespread attention in 2015 with online campaigns and a large-scale installation in Cape Coast, Ghana, as the nation celebrated its Independence Day.
In 2019, Akoto-Bamfo established the Nkyinkyim Museum as part of his Ancestor Project non-profit organization. Located outside of Accra, the museum has become a place for people of African descent to engage in healing processes through art and education. The annual Ancestor Veneration ceremony held at the museum aims to revive African traditional Funerary arts.
The museum’s Sacred Area features thousands of unique heads, with an ultimate goal of reaching 11,111 heads to symbolize strength in unity and harmony of spiritual forces. Visitors are encouraged to follow traditional practices such as removing shoes, pouring libations, and respecting the sacredness of the artworks.
Akoto-Bamfo’s Nsisu funerary art draws parallels with Ife and Benin bronze heads from the 13th century. The artist blends tribal styles with hyper-realistic portraits, emphasizing that hyper-realistic art is indeed African. Rituals performed around the portrait heads complete the sacred rites that honor the ancestors represented.
The Ancestor Veneration ceremony, supported by African royals and diaspora communities, ensures that the spirits of the ancestors are remembered and celebrated through the portrait heads. Chief Nene Titrim Buertey III emphasizes the importance of preserving African customs and traditions for future generations.
The impact of Akoto-Bamfo’s work extends to a global audience, with participants from diverse backgrounds attending the Ancestor Veneration ceremonies. African Americans and individuals from various African ethnic groups come together to honor their ancestors and reclaim their heritage through art and cultural practices.
