The Art Underground

Fantasy Coffins of Ghana

Ghanaian fantasy coffins--called abebuu adekai, or "receptacles of proverbs"--are unique artistic constructions created by the Ga people of Ghana. In Ga cosmology, the deceased must make a voyage to the world beyond, and fantasy coffins aid in the transition by providing stylish transportation matching the spirit of the departed. From fishermen escorted in to the afterlife in a giant red snapper to wealthy women commissioning vessels in the form of designer handbags, the range of shapes and forms the coffins take, and the artistry involved in their execution, is truly astonishing. Including gorgeous photography of the coffins along with interviews and essays by Ghanian artists and academics, this book is a thoughtful engagement with the ethical considerations of presenting African art in Western museums. It is also a vibrant glimpse of the funeral practices of the Ga people, practices which serve as dynamic celebrations of life.