Ghana’s Unique Tradition of Fantasy Coffins

In Ghana, especially among the Ga people of Accra, the practice of using fantasy coffins, known as Abebu, is growing. These coffins, often shaped as animals or objects, convey the essence of the deceased’s life. The term ‘Abegubt’ translates to ‘proverb,’ reflecting these creations’ role as a final message.

Each coffin is crafted with care. A farmer might have a coffin resembling his tools or crops, symbolizing his life’s work. The designs act as wooden riddles. Joseph Adjetey, working at Eric Kpakpo’s carpentry shop in La, Accra, exemplifies this craft.

Fantasy coffins are becoming more widespread across Ghana, offering vibrant alternatives to traditional wooden boxes. Families discuss how best to honor their loved ones, sometimes seeking guidance to create fitting tributes. The choice is personal. A fisherman could have a coffin matching the fish he sold. Lion-shaped coffins remain for chiefs, symbolizing power, while the rooster design is unique to royal families in Labadi, Accra.

Each coffin takes about two weeks to complete, with costs starting at $700. The price varies based on materials and design complexity. Ghanian funerals are lively events, serving as a chance to honor the deceased with music, dancing, and cultural displays.

Beyond families, collectors value these coffins as art. Nicolas Ablorh Annan, whose family runs a coffin-making business, notes the practice’s origins with the Ga people but its spread across Ghana. His family treats it purely as business. Some coffins find places in museums, as demand grows for artistic exhibition. Annan is currently preparing six coffins for international shipping.

At funerals, fantasy coffins change the atmosphere. Mourners are captivated by the craftsmanship, colors, and creativity. As Eric Kpakpo Adotey, a carpenter, explained, “People forget for a moment what’s inside; they admire the coffin and the atmosphere shifts.”

The mixture of laughter and tears allows creativity to ease sorrow. For the living, each coffin tells a story, acting as a wooden proverb.