AFRICAN CULTURE

ASHANTI

Facts It is believed that the Ashanti came from

NorthWest Africa before they settled Live in Central Ghana in the rainforests

about 150 miles from the coast Previously called the Gold Coast Known as fierce fighters

“If I go forward I die, If I go backward I die, Better go forward and die”

History Founded in the 1670’s by Osei Tutu

He then took title of Asantehene (means ‘king’)

Tradition states that the high priest conjured a golden stoolStill remains an important symbol of unity

Expansion

Expansion Expanded their territory through a series

of wars in the 18th century Acquired firearms from British and Dutch

in exchanged for slaves

Collapse Slave trade was made illegal in 1807 Under Osei Bonsu the Ashanti led

campaigns against the British in the early 1800s

1826 – Ashanti were routed by local people under British command

Defeat began the empire’s gradual declineMarked by revolts and further losses

Religion Mixed between spiritual and supernatural

powers Belief that plants, animals, and trees have

souls. Belief in fairies, witches, and forest monsters Various beliefs that involve ancestors, higher

gods, Nyame Ceremonies for: Marriage, Death, Birth, and

Puberty Golden Stool

Today

Kente Cloth It is suggested that Kente tradition dates

back further Earliest weaving comes from Nubia,

Kush, and Kemet Kente cloth was only worn by royalty

Even then Kings and Queens only wore them on specific occasions

Through time it became more availableStill a symbol though