Akwasidaek?se?: Why Otumfuo is the only person that can put on 3 golden triangular necklaces at a durbar

In the Asante Kingdom, the dressing of chiefs to important traditional events are based on hierarchies just as it is in the security services. A chief’s rank determines the kind of things he can put on at important durbars.

During the grand durbar for the commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Sunday, May 12, 2024, Otumfuo was seen wearing three golden triangular necklaces known as ‘Adaabo?’.

Some other chiefs were seen wearing some, but one, with others not wearing any at all. According to the Asante custom, a chief should be seen wearing that only when himself or his forefathers have attained an enviable feat for the Kingdom.

Just as soldiers are given ranks upon return from wars and attaining higher ranks, same applies to the wearing of the Adaabo? in the Asante Kingdom.

Explaining the significance on GTV during the live telecast of the Akwasidaek?se?, Nana Frimpong, a historian, disclosed that, the necklace is a “triangle from ancient Israel and Egypt. The Amanhene –Paramount chiefs –use one, the Abrempong –other royals –don’t use some but the Otumfuo can wear up to three. The Abrempong are royals but they can’t put on the ‘Adaabo?’ on their necks because the order of hierarchy doesn’t warrant them to use it. It is only the Amanhene who can use one and the Asantehene, three.

“Those things you see are likened to a medal given to a soldier who has gone to war. Your rank determines the medal you wear. It is just like the ‘ahenema’ –sandals –they put on. That’s why you see some of the chiefs wearing golden sandals. It’s not every chief that can decorate himself with gold from top to down,” he disclosed.

Aside from the 25th anniversary celebration of the Asantehene’s enstoolment, it also marks the 150 years of the Sagrenti War and 100 years of the return of Nana Agyeman Prempeh I from exile in Seychelles.

BOGYAWE: Meaning & significance of the Otumfuo’s sitting place during the Akwasidae durbar

The post Akwasidaek?se?: Why Otumfuo is the only person that can put on 3 golden triangular necklaces at a durbar first appeared on 3News.

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