In the bustling city of Accra, Ghana, a vibrant tradition is transforming the way Ghanaians bid farewell to their loved ones. Instead of the standard, somber wooden boxes that mark most burials around the world, many families in Accra now opt for what are known locally as “fantasy coffins”—or Abebuo, a word that means “proverb.” These coffins are anything but ordinary. Imagine a giant pink fish, a peacock bursting with color, or even an airplane painted with the Ghanaian national flag: these are just some of the extraordinary shapes that encapsulate the lives and stories of the deceased.
According to Associated Press, the practice of crafting fantasy coffins began among the Ga people of Accra. Over time, it has spread across Ghana, becoming a widespread celebration of individuality and cultural heritage. The tradition is rooted in the belief that a person’s final resting place should reflect who they were in life. For instance, a farmer might be laid to rest in a coffin shaped like the crops he cultivated, while a fishmonger could be commemorated with a coffin that resembles the very fish he sold at market. Each design is a wooden riddle, a metaphor, and a final message left behind for those who remain.
The process of choosing a fantasy coffin is a deeply personal affair. When a family loses a loved one, they gather to decide how best to honor them. Some arrive at the carpentry workshop with a clear idea in mind, while others rely on the expertise of the coffin makers to craft a fitting tribute. The design is never arbitrary; it’s carefully chosen to reflect the deceased’s identity, occupation, and social status. In some cases, the symbolism is even more specific. Lion-shaped coffins, for example, are reserved exclusively for chiefs, as the lion represents power. In Labadi, a suburb of Accra, royal families are identified by the rooster, and only their lineage can be commemorated with this particular design. The right to a certain coffin is a matter of heritage and respect.
Creating these elaborate coffins is no small feat. Each one takes about two weeks to complete, with the cost starting at around $700 USD. The final price depends on the type of wood selected and the complexity of the design. The carpenters, artists in their own right, pour their skill and imagination into every detail. On July 23, 2025, Joseph Adjetey was seen working diligently on a fantasy coffin at Eric Kpakpo’s carpentry shop in La, a neighborhood in Accra. Just two days later, a striking fish-shaped coffin crafted by Eric Kpakpo Adotey was displayed by the roadside, drawing the attention of passersby and potential clients alike.
Funerals in Ghana are not just about mourning; they are vibrant celebrations of life. Music, dancing, and vivid displays of cultural heritage fill the air, creating an atmosphere that is both joyful and poignant. The presence of a fantasy coffin adds another layer to these ceremonies. As mourners gather, their grief is momentarily softened by the craftsmanship and creativity on display. “People forget for a moment what’s inside; they admire the coffin and the atmosphere shifts,” said Eric Kpakpo Adotey, a carpenter who specializes in these unique creations. It’s not uncommon for laughter to mingle with tears as the community comes together to honor the departed in a way that is both meaningful and memorable.
For many families, fantasy coffins are a final tribute—a story carved in wood, a proverb to be read by future generations. But for others, these coffins are more than just a means of burial; they are works of art. Collectors, both local and international, have taken notice. Some fantasy coffins never hold a body at all. Instead, they are destined for museums abroad, where they are displayed as examples of Ghana’s rich artistic tradition. Nicolas Ablorh Annan, a coffin-maker from Accra, explained that the practice began within his own family generations ago. “My great-grandfather started it, and we continue to run it as a family enterprise, with no ties to the rituals,” Annan told Associated Press. For his family, it’s a business, but one that bridges the worlds of art, culture, and commerce.
The international demand for fantasy coffins is on the rise. Annan said that foreign clients are increasingly ordering these coffins primarily for exhibitions, rather than for funerals. As of late July 2025, he was working on six fantasy coffins that were scheduled to be shipped abroad the following week. This growing interest from overseas has elevated the profile of Ghana’s coffin makers, turning what was once a local tradition into a global phenomenon.
Despite their newfound fame, the heart of the fantasy coffin tradition remains firmly in Ghana. The Ga people, who pioneered the practice, continue to see it as a way to honor their ancestors and celebrate their heritage. But the colorful coffins have also become a symbol of Ghana’s broader cultural identity—one that values creativity, individuality, and the power of storytelling. Every fantasy coffin tells a tale, whether it’s the story of a fisherman, a chief, or a beloved matriarch. Each is a testament to the idea that life, in all its complexity and beauty, deserves to be celebrated even after death.
The workshops where these coffins are made are hives of activity. Visitors might find carpenters sketching out new designs, sawing and sanding wood, or painting feathers onto a peacock’s tail. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and pride, as artisans share stories and techniques passed down through generations. For some, the work is deeply meaningful; for others, it’s simply a livelihood. But all are united by the desire to create something that will leave a lasting impression.
As the tradition of fantasy coffins continues to evolve, it raises intriguing questions about the intersection of art, culture, and commerce. What began as a local practice has become a source of national pride and international fascination. The coffins themselves are more than just objects; they are symbols of a community’s resilience, creativity, and capacity for joy even in the face of loss. In Ghana, the final journey is not just an end—it’s a celebration, a story, and, above all, a work of art.
