Fantasy Coffins: What Would Yours Be?

I stumbled across an article the other day about Fantasy Coffins—those remarkable, hand crafted creations from Ghana that celebrate a life well lived. These are not your standard pine boxes. We are talking coffins shaped like fish, airplanes, cars, a schoolhouse, lions, even chili peppers. Each one is designed to reflect something unique about the person it honors.

After finding something so interesting, I immediately began questioning Matt about the Fantasy Coffin. Do you think they bury the whole thing in the ground? Where can I see one? Do you think we should get one? It would look fabulous on the HUGE patio we have dedicated our lives to completing. (I just know he would pick a drum or a drumstick for his Fantasy Coffin.) He eventually rolled his eyes and quit participating in my game of 21 questions.

I did not find this gem on The Good News Network (my usual source of quirky inspiration) but in my newsfeed. Which makes me wonder… what exactly does the algorithm think about me? Maybe it has decided I am a flamingo loving, paint splattered, justice pondering, running shoe wearing oddball. Which, now that I think about it, is not entirely inaccurate.

Of course, the question immediately popped into my head: What kind of coffin would I want to represent my life? A flamingo seems obvious. Or perhaps a giant paintbrush. Maybe even the scales of justice. The options are endless, though hopefully not urgently needed.

For now, you are stuck with my sketches and imaginings I don't want to violate any copyright or intellectual laws (yes, that's the scales of justice reference coming out in me). But after the museum visit, watch out! Pictures galore!!

Sketch of fantasy coffin possibilities!

The best part? In just a few days I will be in Houston where… wait for it… wait for it... the National Museum of Funeral History (A LIFE WELL LIVED: FANTASY COFFINS FROM GHANA – The National Museum of Funeral History) resides. And yes, it boasts the largest collection of Fantasy Coffins outside of Ghana. Naturally, this is going straight onto the trip itinerary. Matt, who lives for detailed plans, is absolutely thrilled that I have added “funeral history” to his carefully crafted schedule. As I am frequently forced to tell him, "I'm helping you. You are learning to adapt to change. You are welcome."

Your Turn: If you could design your own Fantasy Coffin, what would it look like? A book, a cupcake, a guitar, a flamingo? Share your ideas in the comments. I am curious which directions your imagination would take.

Thanks for reading The 3rd Flamingo, a blog for art lovers, creative wanderers, and anyone who has ever made a beautiful mess.