Funerals in Ghana adhere to a primitive concept of burial processes yet they have undergone value addition in recent times. Their burial rituals are seeing a transition phase from an oddity of the past to a display of a deep-fashion-grief, albeit heartfelt goodbyes.
When someone dies, memories of them rove in grief amid chanted dirges and celebrations. Ghanaian society clads itself in ritual obligations, especially the memorial reception to honor the dearly departed. It is at the reception that the newly forged customs of fantasy coffins, propped-up corpses, paid criers, dancing pallbearers, and liturgical services pave the path to a sacred transition to the land unknown.
Ghana has a relatively new artistic and traditional workshop of fantasy coffin making. The mystery of life after death is revered, perhaps obsessed in Ghana. Many tribes believe in a new world after death, where we will continue to do the same work committed to on earth.
The rite of passage to the other world is lit with fantasy coffins that depict the profession of the dead. Some of the coffin models evoke adages hence the local name “abebuu adekai” which translates proverbial coffin. If a deceased did not have a profession, a proverb-styled coffin is preferred.
The fantasy coffins and accompanying rituals create a new visitor experience inspiring inner transformation and deep fulfillment. These fashioned burials have seen a growing appetite and offer an opportunity for boundary-pushing destination makers and black culture fanatics.
The artistic coffin makers now dominate the semi-rural countryside of Ghana where the afterlife belief is strongest. Teshie Nungua, a community in one of the oldest districts in Accra is popular for styling coffins and is becoming a tourist draw. It is at these coffin depots that families pre-order what type of styled coffins they want their departed to reside in for the sacred journey.
Previously, coffins were 6 feet boxes for all kinds of bodies. A few years ago, before the year 1999 for example, it took the carpenter in my village two to three days to fasten wood pieces to make a casket ready for burial. Given the wide variety of sizes, shapes, and fantasy, the make-up of a coffin today, can take between 2 to 3 months to be ready for burial, as now newly established artistic skills and patience are required in building a coffin for the mourners’ supposition.
Apart from Muslims who bury the dead mainly in shrouds, almost every person in Ghana goes to join the ancestors in a coffin. Failure to provide such denies the obligatory handshake with a certain boatman and a denial of heavens highway. This boatman is said to be a messenger of the ancestors.
According to some Ghanaians who adopt this style of special farewell, fantasy coffins are becoming the esteemed symbol of last respect. Oral tradition has it that, the bowman who is supposed to ferry the dead over a certain river to the afterlife approves the rite of burial if he finds some coins in a decent coffin.
It would seem there is now a new payment for the Ferryman in the showcase of fantasy coffins which spotlights the aspirations and accomplishments of the deceased.
A cocoa farmer gets a coffin in the form of a cocoa pod. Pilots get an airplane-type casket. A father of many children gets his coffin in the form of a penis as I recently witnessed in my village. A chainsaw operator goes to the eternal home in a chainsaw-like coffin. A head teacher will march on in a pen-like coffin.
A minister of God will be on his way to Abrahams’s bosom in a beautifully curated coffin depicting a bible. Musicians get their last home in the form of an organ or guitar, a driver is buried in a car-shaped coffin, and a builder transit this world in a coffin that is sculptured in the form of a masonry trowel. Traditional chiefs are strictly worthy of a palanquin, sword, or stool-type coffin.
Ghana’s tapestry of fantasy crafts for burials is only growing despite, the cost of living crisis. Spirituality prevails, as cultural history buffs say this send-off courtesy, is the surest deed of last respect and confers prestige on the dead after a devoted mission or profession in life.
For the vacationer in Ghana, these burial ceremonies add a unique experiential and mysterious dimension. It provides a huge culture shock in terms of fanciful coffins, ancestral connection, and above all the total rawness of death and decay. When asked for his comments, Ben, a tourist from the UK said “I love differences, and this approach to death makes Ghana very different.”
For similar experiences in Ghana, Moodofhope Tours have you covered. We are flexible with bespoke travel plans and show you indigenous cultural adventures across Ghana. We take pride in providing budget itineraries that showcase cocktail experiences like a visit to the fantasy coffin makers and naming ceremonies. Interact with the local people, cook a traditional dish, eat with your hands, witness funeral rituals, and volunteer to plant a tree downtown.
SEE BELOW A GALLERY OF FANTASY COFFINS IN GHANA.
