In Ghana, the phrase “going out in style” takes on a whole new meaning. In the coastal communities of Greater Accra, funerals aren’t just about mourning the dead—they’re about celebrating life, passions, and legacy. One of the most iconic ways Ghanaians do this is through fantasy coffins—whimsical, elaborate caskets shaped like anything from a Bible to a beer bottle.
In this post, we explore the origins, symbolism, craftsmanship, and global fame of Ghana’s fantasy coffins.
What Are Fantasy Coffins?
Fantasy coffins (also called “proverb coffins” or abebuu adekai in Ga, meaning “boxes with proverbs”) are custom-made caskets carved and painted to resemble objects meaningful to the deceased. For example:
- A fish-shaped coffin for a fisherman
- A Bible-shaped coffin for a devout Christian
- An airplane coffin for a pilot
- A Coca-Cola bottle for a soft drink seller
These coffins reflect a belief that death is not the end, but a transition into the ancestral realm—where the deceased should go in grandeur.
The Origin: From Ga Tradition to Global Fame
The origin of these coffins traces back to the Ga people of Teshie and Nungua in the 1950s.
📜 The Story of Kane Kwei
Seth Kane Kwei, a carpenter in Teshie, is credited with creating the first fantasy coffin. In 1951, he built a cocoa pod-shaped palanquin for a Ga chief—but the chief died before it was used. So, it was repurposed as a coffin. This act sparked a tradition.
Today, his descendants, including artists like Paa Joe, continue the craft. Their works are showcased in museums around the world, including the British Museum and the Brooklyn Museum.
🔗 Read More: Famous Ghanaian Figures Who Shaped Our Culture
How Fantasy Coffins Are Made
These coffins are:
- Handcrafted from hardwood or wawa wood
- Carved and sculpted into specific forms
- Painted in bright colors
- Often take 2 to 6 weeks to complete
Families visit coffin workshops to order a design, share details about the deceased’s occupation, personality, or passions.
📍 Tip: You can visit these workshops in Teshie and even commission your own (non-funeral) decorative versions.
Symbolism Behind the Designs
Each coffin tells a story or reflects a proverbial statement. Some examples:
- Lion = Leadership or power
- Bible = Strong Christian faith
- Fish = Livelihood from the sea
- Shoe or Hat = Style, status, or profession
- Hammer or Toolbox = Manual labor or craftsmanship
These coffins aren’t just art—they are narratives in wood.
Fantasy Coffins and Global Art
Ghana’s fantasy coffins have become global art icons, displayed in:
- Paris’ Centre Pompidou
- Brooklyn Museum, New York
- Kunsthalle Wien in Vienna
Artists like Paa Joe have held exhibitions worldwide. His works are not used for burial but collected as art.
🎥 Recommended: Watch “Paa Joe & The Lion”—a documentary exploring the legacy of Ghana’s fantasy coffin tradition.
Fantasy Coffins in Modern Ghana
While fantasy coffins are still common among the Ga people, they’ve become:
- More expensive: Ranging from $500–$3,000
- Used by wealthy families or for symbolic funerals
- Commissioned for tourists and collectors
Some Ghanaians now opt for photo caskets or digital slideshows instead. Yet, the tradition remains strong in Teshie and Nungua.
🔗 Related Read: How Ghana Celebrates the Dead: Funeral Traditions Explained
Are Fantasy Coffins Religious or Cultural?
Fantasy coffins are more cultural than religious. While Christian and Muslim beliefs often favor simplicity in burial, the Ga people blend tradition with personal storytelling.
They serve as a send-off that reflects the spirit of the person, more than doctrinal observance.