Ghana’s Unique Fantasy Coffins: A Colorful Tradition
In Accra, Ghana, a unique tradition captivates both locals and visitors. Known as Abebuo, Ghana’s fantasy coffins are crafted to embody the essence of the deceased’s life. Each piece is created not just for burial but as a representation of a proverb.
Instead of classic coffins, a farmer might be laid to rest in one shaped like the tools he used or the crops he cultivated. These designs become symbolic messages, offering a final insight into the individual’s life. Joseph Adjetey works on a fantasy coffin at Eric Kpakpo’s carpentry shop in La, Accra.
These coffins, prevalent among the Ga people, are gaining popularity across Ghana. Families gather to decide how to honor their loved ones, visiting carpentry workshops to collaborate with artisans. Each choice reflects the deceased’s identity, occupation, and societal status.
A fishmonger could be remembered in a coffin resembling the exact fish he sold. Only chiefs are honored with lion-shaped coffins, symbolizing power. In Labadi, royal families adopt the rooster design, exclusive to their lineage. The selection of the right coffin is deliberate and meaningful.
Crafting each coffin takes about two weeks, with prices starting at $700. The cost varies based on wood type and design complexity. Ghanaian funerals are vibrant events that celebrate life with music, dancing, and cultural expressions, accompanied by these colorful coffins.
While families see these coffins as tributes, art collectors view them as masterpieces. Nicolas Ablorh Annan, a coffin maker from Accra, notes the expanded practice from its Ga beginnings to nationwide acceptance. His family’s business, established by his great-grandfather, focuses on craftsmanship without ritual ties.
Some coffins never bury bodies; they end up in museums worldwide. Annan has observed increasing international interest, with many foreign orders for exhibitions as art. He is currently preparing six coffins for overseas shipment.
Fantasy coffins redefine funeral experiences. They captivate mourners with their artful construction, vivid colors, and creative designs. Eric Kpakpo Adotey, a carpenter specializing in these coffins, believes they alter the atmosphere, merging sorrow with admiration.
For those grieving, each coffin offers more than a burial site. It presents a story carved into wood, a lasting proverb celebrating the departed.