The Unusual Tradition of Fantasy Coffins in Ghana

gable1939 Published 04/09/2015 in feels

One of the more unconventional cultural elements on this great planet: These are functional coffins made by specialized carpenters in the Greater Accra Region in Ghana.

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The custom of being buried in fantasy coffins began in Ghana around 1950.
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Originally only Ga chiefs and priests were allowed (and rich enough to afford) such elaborate burial accommodations.
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The Ga believe that the dead are more powerful than the living, and so the caskets are made to garner favor with the newly departed.
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Not just the local Ga use this burial tradition anymore--Now most locals are buried in caskets made to look like items of significance to them.
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Various animals, such as lions, cockerels and crabs can represent clan affiliations.
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20.
21.
22.

1.
2.
The custom of being buried in fantasy coffins began in Ghana around 1950.
3.
Originally only Ga chiefs and priests were allowed (and rich enough to afford) such elaborate burial accommodations.
4.
5.
6.
The Ga believe that the dead are more powerful than the living, and so the caskets are made to garner favor with the newly departed.
7.
8.
9.
Not just the local Ga use this burial tradition anymore--Now most locals are buried in caskets made to look like items of significance to them.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Various animals, such as lions, cockerels and crabs can represent clan affiliations.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.