Bawon Lakwa

Bawon Lakwa belongs to the Guédé family, the powerful spirits who guide and protect souls in the afterlife. He serves as a guide for the dead, escorting them from the moment and place of their passing to the cemetery, ensuring that no soul becomes lost or forgotten.

Animals, particularly dogs, are said to see him clearly. They may bark or howl when he approaches, sensing his presence even when humans cannot. Leaves on trees may tremble as he passes, a subtle sign that the boundary between the living and the dead is near. His presence is quiet yet undeniable, a reminder of the unseen forces that walk among us.

Bawon Lakwa embodies the deeper truths of mortality. He observes that while many people are alive, few truly live. For him, life is meant to be embraced with awareness, joy, and courage. Those who experience life fully are lighter when they pass, making his task as an escort easier and more graceful.

He teaches that death is not only a passage, but a reflection of life. To live fully, with attention to love, laughter, and the pleasures of the moment, is to honor both the living and the dead. Bawon Lakwa reminds us that existence is not measured by the length of days, but by the depth with which we inhabit them.

Through this artwork, his presence is captured in shadowed forms, subtle movements, and symbols of transition and protection. Printed as a giclée on fine art paper with archival inks, it preserves the energy, mystery, and power of Bawon Lakwa for generations to come.

Printed as a giclée on fine art paper using archival inks, this piece preserves the depth of each color and detail, keeping the artwork’s spirit vivid and enduring over time.