The people of Ghana create vibrant coffins as a profound and colourful way to honour the deceased. Often called abebuu adekai, or “proverb boxes,” they offer a deeply personal farewell. Each coffin is meticulously designed to capture the very essence of the person it represents.

A farmer might be laid to rest in a coffin shaped like his tools or the crops he grew. A fisherman could rest in the likeness of the exact fish he caught and sold. Chiefs are honoured with lion-shaped coffins, symbols of strength and leadership.

The design itself becomes a metaphor; a final story told in wood and paint. It is both a tribute and a message: a celebration of who the person was in life and what they meant to their community.

Though the tradition is rooted among the Ga people of Accra, these striking coffins are now embraced across Ghana, offering families a vibrant and meaningful alternative to traditional wooden caskets. The artistry has also gained international recognition, with some pieces exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide.

Each coffin usually takes about two weeks to build. The cost starts at around US$700 and increases depending on the design complexity and materials used.

Funerals in Ghana are lavish affairs. People see them as a final opportunity to honour the deceased, sparing no expense on ceremonies that feature music, dancing and vivid displays of cultural heritage.