Opinion: Transforming Ghana’s unique fantasy coffin tradition into a global tourist attraction
Concerns about this form of tourism are valid, particularly as it remains a grey area, albeit one with immense revenue potential.
Not too long ago, I came across media discussions on proposals to position Ghanaian funerals as a tourism avenue—an idea that sparked significant debate, drawing both support and criticism.
Some media have referred to this form of tourism as ‘funeral tourism,’ a term that may have generated further interest in the conversation. Could a more acceptable description be ‘cultural tourism’? We will explore this in the next few paragraphs.
Some Ghanaian funerals have taken on the grandeur of durbars, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The elaborate pallbearer processions, for instance, once captured international media attention and became an internet sensation.
Concerns about this form of tourism are valid, particularly as it remains a grey area, albeit one with immense revenue potential. Now presents an opportune moment to revisit these conversations, not only to challenge perceptions but also to encourage citizen participation in Ghana’s economic development.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines cultural tourism as:
the movement of persons to cultural attractions in cities in countries other than their normal place of residence, with the intention to gather new information and experiences to satisfy their cultural needs and all movements of persons to specific cultural attractions, such as heritage sites, artistic and cultural manifestations, arts and drama to cities outside their normal country of residence.
Therefore, if the movement is specifically aimed at experiencing or participating in funerals or funeral-related activities, customs, or rituals, it could be described as cultural tourism as funerals are cultural manifestations.
It is important to emphasise that this form of tourism is broad and does not involve subjecting the deceased to public display or anything that detracts from the solemnity of Ghanaian burials.
Funerals remain deeply personal and sacred for bereaved families. Even when they involve royals and take on a public nature, the respective families still mourn their dead in a profoundly personal way.
Ghana’s funeral traditions are rich and diverse, with significant touristic appeal. Examples include fire musketry, a ceremonial gun salute primarily performed at the burials of royals, and fantasy coffin artistry.
However, this article focuses on the craftsmanship of fantasy coffins, which could be leveraged as a cultural asset to foster a unique form of tourism and potentially gain recognition on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
According to Cultural Tourism by Hilary du Cros and Bob McKercher (2015), traditional craftsmanship is one of the five domains of intangible heritage, and, like the others, it holds potential for tourism commodification.
Fantasy coffins, also known as figurative or custom coffins, are uniquely crafted burial caskets designed to reflect the profession, aspirations, or social status of the deceased.
Originating from the Ga community in Ghana, they are commonly found in areas such as La and Teshie-Nungua. For example, an airplane-shaped coffin may be fitting for a pilot, a fish for a fisherman, or a microphone for a musician.
Recently, thousands gathered at the forecourt of the State House in Accra to bid farewell to Ga music icon Naa Amanua Dodoo, the lead vocalist of the Wulomei group, who was laid to rest in a microphone-shaped coffin —a tribute to her lifelong dedication to music.
Similarly, the late Terry Bonchaka, a popular artiste, was buried in a microphone-shaped coffin over two decades ago. Fantasy coffin artistry in Ghana dates back to the early 1950s, demonstrating that this artistry is ingrained in Ghanaian culture.
These unique designs present an opportunity for generating tourism revenue for Ghana—I have even come across interesting Ghanaian fantasy coffin shop tour packages on TripAdvisor. However, greater promotion is needed. The challenge lies in leveraging this cultural heritage while preserving the solemnity of burials.
This article explores Ghana’s cultural economy, focusing on how fantasy coffin artistry could be leveraged to attract global interest and investment. It draws insights from the Arab Republic of Egypt to illustrate this potential.
Arab Republic of Egypt
Egypt’s tourism industry is heavily anchored in its ancient funerary heritage—including pyramids, tombs, and mummification practices—although this represents one facet of a broader cultural appeal. Sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Grand Egyptian Museum are major tourist attractions, generating significant revenue for the country.
The pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are iconic symbols of ancient Egypt’s funerary practices and belief in the afterlife. Built for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, they represent divine kingship and the journey to eternity. Their precise construction, aligned with celestial bodies, demonstrates Egypt’s advanced engineering and spiritual dedication.
Unlike later hidden tombs, these pyramids were grand public symbols of power, though many were looted over time. As one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids continue to attract millions of tourists.
Valley of the kings and queens
The Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens were sacred burial sites for Egypt’s royalty. Pharaohs and queens were buried with treasures and texts to ensure immortality.
In contrast to the earlier pyramid burials, these tombs were concealed within cliffs to protect against looting, highlighting advancements in Egypt’s funerary architecture.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa illustrate how Egypt’s funerary traditions evolved under Greco-Roman influence, blending mummification, elaborate burial chambers, and symbolic artistry with new cultural elements.
Today, the site remains one of Alexandria’s most remarkable historical attractions, offering insights into ancient burial practices and cultural fusion.
The Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient artefacts, including beautifully decorated sarcophagi.
Sarcophagi, stone coffins used in ancient Egypt, were typically crafted from limestone or granite and adorned with hieroglyphics, religious symbols, and depictions of the deceased. They served not only as protective enclosures but also as artistic expressions of status and beliefs in the afterlife.
Egyptian pharaohs and high-ranking officials were often buried in nested coffins within these sarcophagi. Unlike the plain caskets of many other cultures, ancient Egyptian coffins are masterpieces of art, religion, and craftsmanship, meticulously designed to ensure a safe passage into eternity.
Preserving tradition, embracing tourism: a sustainable future for Ghana’s fantasy coffin artistry
Ghana’s unique fantasy coffins have been exhibited in international museums and galleries. They have attracted global art collectors and have also been sold at great prices. Yet, many artisans remain far from wealthy.
Transforming this distinctive craft into a sustainable global tourism attraction requires a delicate balance between economic opportunity and cultural reverence. Below are a few recommendations to achieve this:
Establish a national fantasy coffin museum and cultural centre
A dedicated museum in Ghana, or an existing one, could allocate adequate space to showcase the artistry behind fantasy coffins while educating visitors about Ghanaian funeral traditions.
Alongside historical narratives and live demonstrations by coffin artisans, the museum could feature digital displays of notable fantasy coffins created for distinguished individuals.
Each exhibit could provide detailed descriptions of the artistic process behind the coffins, complemented by a brief biography of the deceased, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and artistic significance of each piece.
Clearly, such displays would require the explicit consent of the deceased’s family, as families in Ghana play a central role in burial rites. A portion of the revenue generated from the exhibition of these coffins and images should be allocated to the families under mutually agreed terms.
The museum’s revenue model could include entry fees, guided tour packages, and souvenir sales.
Collaborate with international art exhibitions & museums
Collaborations have proven to be a powerful tool for fostering cultural exchange and economic development. By partnering with world-renowned museums such as the Grand Egyptian Museum, Ghana has the opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
Although Ghana’s fantasy coffins have been exhibited in prestigious international museums, more of such collaborations should be encouraged.
Curated exhibitions, academic lectures, and interactive workshops on Ghanaian funeral customs could educate global audiences while promoting deeper cross-cultural understanding.
Such an initiative would not only enhance cultural diplomacy but also create new economic opportunities for local artisans and contribute to the growth of Ghana’s cultural or creative economy.
To ensure financial sustainability, the museums could introduce ticketed exhibitions, premium guided tours, and sell miniature replicas of fantasy coffins, books, and themed souvenirs. Licensing designs for media adaptations, and exhibitions would further increase recognition and revenue.
Corporate sponsorships, grants, and academic collaborations could provide additional financial support for exhibitions and educational initiatives, while digital platforms offer opportunities for online exhibitions, virtual reality tours, and paid streaming services. High-profile art auctions could also display select fantasy coffins to attract international collectors.
Furthermore, specialised travel packages allowing international visitors to engage in coffin-making workshops and explore Ghanaian funeral traditions could be leveraged. This would not only boost local businesses and create jobs but also raise global awareness of Ghana’s unique cultural heritage.
Develop live funeral tourism packages
In-person tours to actual funerals—if permitted—should be limited and must never disrupt funeral proceedings. Alternatively, virtual reality experiences could offer immersive insights into traditional Ghanaian funeral settings. A portion of the revenue generated from these tours should be allocated primarily to the consenting families or communities, on agreed terms.
support local coffin artisans through e-commerce, export development and other avenues
Just as some Ghanaian families import coffins for the burials of their loved ones, the export of Ghanaian fantasy coffins could also be promoted.
With support from the Government of Ghana through its relevant agencies, a dedicated electronic marketplace could be established to sell custom fantasy coffins as art pieces, rather than solely as burial items.
Positioning them as artworks offers greater revenue potential compared to promoting them exclusively for funerals.
My discussions with a few fantasy coffin makers along the Teshie-Nungua road in Accra revealed significant challenges, including limited workspaces and a shortage of trainees, which threaten the continuity of the craft.
In a 2015 exclusive interview with FAD Magazine, renowned fantasy coffin artist Joseph Ashong, alias Paa Joe, shed light on the local perception of his work. When asked whether his creations were considered art in Ghana, he responded: “Never! Ghanaians consider them mere coffins, although they appreciate them.”
His statement underscores the limited local recognition of fantasy coffins as art pieces, despite their growing international appeal. This highlights the urgent need for export promotion to position Ghana’s fantasy coffin industry on the global art market, where it holds significant commercial potential.
Conclusion
By embracing these strategies and incorporating insights from the citizenry and stakeholders within the fantasy coffin value chain, Ghana can elevate the craft as a valuable cultural asset while ensuring its preservation.
This would enhance global recognition and generate tourism revenue. Additionally, exploring the intellectual property rights associated with fantasy coffin artistry could further protect and promote its uniqueness.
Ms Joyann Obeng
The author is a lawyer and development enthusiast and can be reached at obeng.joyann@yahoo.com
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