Yawa Hansen-Quao

In many wooden workshops dotted along the coast of Ghana, the Ga people are renowned for their unique coffins which are crafted in a variety styles. I’ve seen coffins in the form of cell phones, Bibles, tractors, microphones, fishes, elephants, guns, sewing machines, pens, guns, airplanes, cars, Coca Cola bottles (pictured left), beer bottles, roosters and cigarettes.

These coffins are uniquely painted and meticulously designed. The coffins cost between $800 and $1,500 and international art collectors and museums are beginning to buy up these fantasy coffins some for well over $3,000 per piece. Fantasy coffins gained popularity in 1995 when former US President Jimmy Carter visited Ghana and purchased three fantasy coffins: an eagle, a fish, and a bell pepper.

I have not seen this with my naked eye but learned from a friend that there was even a coffin in the shape of uterus made for a deceased gynecologist. It is therefore no surprise that more and more tourism practitioners are including visits to the fantasy coffin makers on their tour itineraries--you never know what you might find!

Perhaps it is beautiful that the Ga seek to celebrate person’s life through their burial. After all, what better farewell could there be than a recognition of the thing you were most passionate about by those you love the most. If there is any tragedy in this at all, it is that such beautiful artistic caskets end up buried deep underground after so such long hours of crafting.

No doubt our country Ghana is one where many struggle to make it yet, no expenses are spared to give loved ones a fitting burial. Let’s hope the popularity of these fantasy coffin making shops help keep the trade alive. And may Ghana’s fantasy coffin makers and tourism practitioners find themselves laughing all the way to the bank!