Fantasy Coffins

Ghanaians traditionally believe in life after death. In keeping with this, skilled wood carvers create "Fantasy Coffins" in the shape of airplanes, vegetables, cars, and other objects. The object chosen typically represents what the person did for a living. These coffins are often painted in bright colors with a gloss finish, and are relatively expensive so not everyone can afford them. One fantasy coffin shop is located in Teshie Nungua, a village near Accra.

Check out the book Going into Darkness for more info and pictures of these coffins, which have also been featured in National Geographic.

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Going into Darkness: Fantastic Coffins from Africa

From a giant onion to a crayfish and a butterfly, these photos portray the craft and culture of a unique fishing community's perfection of the coffin into an art form. People are actually buried in these fantastic coffins, presented in an intriguing collection of excellent, varied images; from makers at work to burial.