How These Unique Coffins Are Redefining Funerals in Ghana

Sep 13, 2025 Vanshika P

'Abebuo' Coffins That Tell a Story Fantasy coffins, aka Abebuo, which translates to 'proverb,' are a common practice in Ghana. Source: AP

A Giant Pink Fish Shaped Coffin When a family loses a loved one, they gather to decide how to honour them. This giant pink fish is in remembrance of a fishmonger. Source: AP

Lion-Shaped Coffin Lion-shaped coffins are reserved only for chiefs or royals, as the animal is a symbol of power. Source: AP

A Colourful Peacock Shaped Coffin Each piece is crafted not just to bury the deceased, but to embody the essence of their life. Meanwhile, families see fantasy coffins as tributes; collectors see them as art. Source: AP

Airplane Shaped Coffin Painted With the National Flag The design itself becomes a metaphor, a final message left behind. Source: AP

Transforming Grief Into Art Eric Kpakpo Adotey, a carpenter who specialises in fantasy coffins, says it is a story carved in wood, a proverb to be read. Source: AP

How These Unique Coffins Are Redefining Funerals in Ghana

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