Ghana Ashanti Cultural: The Golden Stool
(Ghana) Ashanti cultural – The Golden Stool
Most people think Africa is a country and I occasionally hear people saying it, Africa is not a country but indeed a continent divided in many countries. Ghana is located in the western part of Africa sharing boundaries with Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and Cote d'Ivoire (or Ivory Coast) to the west and the south to the gulf of guinea, it’s a country full of culture and moral believes. The Ashanti Empire is one of the biggest in the history of Africa and is noted for its cultural celebrations linked with the golden stool dated back in 1896 which still exist till today; it serves as a symbol of togetherness to its people, and stands for the widest expanse of political authority which …show more content…
When the King of Gyaaman Adinkra, made a Golden Stool for himself, the Asantehene was so annoyed that he led a massive army against him. Adinkra was completely destroyed and he was decapitated. The Asantehene then proceeded to order the melt down of Adinkra's golden stool, and for it to be made into two masks, to represent his "ugly" face. These masks remain hanging on each side of the Ashanti Golden Stool to this day. With the ritual conditions, the stool differs significantly from the idea found among the shilluk, the Yoruba, Alafine, and the bunyoro that national well-being and continuity depends on the physical health of the incumbent and Mukama. Among these peoples the king is made to commit suicide when he becomes old and infirm, as the weakeining of his body might have adverse effects on the crops, rainfall and breeding. The Shilluk, the Yoruba and the Bunyoro, have Divine kings. The Ashantehene is not a Divine king. Unlike the Reth, the Alafine, or Mukama the Asantehene has no spiritual band with the people or the land, and his physical health cannot affect the productivity of the land or its people. To the Ashanti people the Golden Stool is Divine and well honors each day and
Most people think Africa is a country and I occasionally hear people saying it, Africa is not a country but indeed a continent divided in many countries. Ghana is located in the western part of Africa sharing boundaries with Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and Cote d'Ivoire (or Ivory Coast) to the west and the south to the gulf of guinea, it’s a country full of culture and moral believes. The Ashanti Empire is one of the biggest in the history of Africa and is noted for its cultural celebrations linked with the golden stool dated back in 1896 which still exist till today; it serves as a symbol of togetherness to its people, and stands for the widest expanse of political authority which …show more content…
When the King of Gyaaman Adinkra, made a Golden Stool for himself, the Asantehene was so annoyed that he led a massive army against him. Adinkra was completely destroyed and he was decapitated. The Asantehene then proceeded to order the melt down of Adinkra's golden stool, and for it to be made into two masks, to represent his "ugly" face. These masks remain hanging on each side of the Ashanti Golden Stool to this day. With the ritual conditions, the stool differs significantly from the idea found among the shilluk, the Yoruba, Alafine, and the bunyoro that national well-being and continuity depends on the physical health of the incumbent and Mukama. Among these peoples the king is made to commit suicide when he becomes old and infirm, as the weakeining of his body might have adverse effects on the crops, rainfall and breeding. The Shilluk, the Yoruba and the Bunyoro, have Divine kings. The Ashantehene is not a Divine king. Unlike the Reth, the Alafine, or Mukama the Asantehene has no spiritual band with the people or the land, and his physical health cannot affect the productivity of the land or its people. To the Ashanti people the Golden Stool is Divine and well honors each day and