funerals are very important in west africa. families can go "broke" paying for a funeral. in togo people don't "die", they "travel". it is said this way so the family/friends are not too sad. the funeral is held a year after the person "travels" because it is believed that people are not sad anymore. in ghana funerals are held everywhere, even in the streets. funerals last 4 days with music, singing, dancing, feasting. there is also a day of financial reconciliation. in burkina faso coffins are often made in the shape of the person's occupation (i.e a boat for a fisherman).
the people of west africa are muslims, christians and animists. the "snake" in this art piece represent the "animist" belief. even if muslims or christians continue to adhere to their animist beliefs also there is no conflict in dual belief system.