I'm movin' to Ghana, these people have it going on!

Barring that, burn me up and spread my ashes in the redwoods of California or off of the Golden Gate Bridge. Alternatively, I could have some ashes sent to Southern California so that Jerry can sprinkle me if front of the Disney Concert Hall and some to Mel for distribution on Ellis Island, anywhere in Brooklyn or under a tree in the Catskills

Thank you once again for sharing this incredibly uplifting version of the afterlife.

If I make it to Ghana I want to be buried in a box that looks like a Nikon D 750, they can leave out the useless WiFi section, I won't be needing that.

When it comes to celebrating life and paying homage to the departed, few places in the world do it with as much creativity and vibrancy as Ghana (except perhaps, as I have just posted and some of you have seen, Romania.) Their fantasy coffins, also known as "abebuu adekai" in the Akan language, have gained international acclaim for their unique and artistic approach to the afterlife. These imaginative coffins, often crafted in the form of various objects or symbols that hold personal significance, provide a colorful and uplifting perspective on the concept of death.

In Ghana, death is not viewed as an end but rather as a transition from one world to another. As such, funerals are grand and elaborate affairs, celebrated with music, dance, and an array of traditional customs. Fantasy coffins are a natural extension of this celebration of life. These intricate and often whimsical creations are designed to reflect the personality, occupation, or interests of the deceased, transforming a somber event into a joyous commemoration of the individual's life.

The craftsmanship that goes into creating these fantasy coffins is nothing short of remarkable. Skilled artisans, often referred to as "sankofa," meticulously handcraft each coffin from various types of wood, including mahogany, cedar, and teak. These skilled craftsmen bring the deceased's vision to life, whether it be in the form of a huge fish, an airplane, a Mercedes-Benz, a camera, a really large shoe, or even a gigantic UHH membership card.

My wife and I and the friends we traveled to Ghana with, have all been here twice; once in 2010 and once coinciding with my eightieth birthday in 2022. I posted about that birthday a few months ago, in which I clambered up the side of a cliff and then strolled across seven rope suspension bridges in the canopy high above a rain forest. It was a great, sweaty way to become eighty. Anyway, since my time in the coffin work-studios ... each one was different ... on both occasions was very short, I’m combining both sets of photos for this post. The pictures are not very good due to the close, crowded circumstances I encountered and my inability to deal with that kind of situation. But they were the best ones possible for my skill set, and I decided to post them so you can see another cultural phenomenon you may not otherwise have been aware of.

Each fantasy coffin is a work of art that carries a profound symbolism. For example, a fish-shaped coffin may represent a fisherman, an airplane symbolizes a career in aviation, and a camera-shaped coffin is a tribute to a photographer or someone who cherished capturing moments. The level of personalization is astonishing, and it serves as a testament to the individuality of the deceased.

Fantasy coffins have not only captured the hearts of Ghanaians but have also garnered international attention. They have been featured in exhibitions around the world, including in prestigious museums and art galleries. Enthusiasts flock to Ghana to witness these unique creations and learn about the culture that has given rise to them.

In an era where globalization can sometimes erode traditional practices, fantasy coffins serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation. These coffins embody the rich history and traditions of the Akan people and contribute to the continuity of their cultural heritage.

The fantasy coffins of Ghana are more than just burial vessels; they are vibrant celebrations of life and a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the Ghanaian people. In a world where death is often feared or viewed with solemnity, these unique coffins remind us that it can also be celebrated with joy, color, and artistry, much like the colorful Romanian grave markers I posted recently. They offer a profound insight into Ghana's rich culture and traditions, inviting us to appreciate the beauty that can emerge even in the face of mortality. I want mine to be in the form of a passport.