Otumfuo receives additional 19th-century gold ornaments and regalia

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will receive 28 historic gold ornaments and regalia this weekend, in the latest major restoration of cultural treasures to Ghana.

The objects, dating to the 19th century, are symbols of governance, chiefship and royal heritage.

Originally crafted by Asante court artisans, they include swords, linguist staffs, palace security locks, rings, necklaces and gold weights.

Historian and associate director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah authenticated the artefacts.

“This is a significant cultural moment for Ghana and Africa,” he told AFP in an interview.

He described the regalia as “masterpieces of gold smithery reflecting the sophistication of Asante court governance”.

Mini durbar 

The presentation will take place at a mini-durbar at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the return from exile of the king’s grand-uncle, Nana Agyeman Prempeh I.

The event will also honour the visiting president of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, according to a statement from the palace. President Akufo-Addo and other known figures in government are expected to grace the occasion.

Agyeman-Duah said the restitution follows a direct appeal Otumfuo made earlier this year to AngloGold Ashanti, a South African mining company, to hand back the artefacts.

The objects had been part of the company’s Gold of Africa Museum in Cape Town, South Africa, before being transferred to the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria.

Their return to Kumasi was approved three weeks ago by the Reserve Bank of South Africa, the statement added.

The objects will be housed in a new contemporary gallery recently added to the Manhyia Palace Museum.

Preparations

Deputy Chief of Staff at the Manhyia Palace Lawrence Kwasi Prempeh who provided additional information about what to expect this weekend warned the Palace would not entertain any political party paraphernalia at the durbar grounds.

“The President of Seychelles will lead a delegation to the Manhyia Palace as a special guest, alongside the Prime Minister of Eswatini. The President of the Republic will also be in attendance. We wish to emphasize that no party paraphernalia will be permitted at the event. This is a national occasion, and we must approach it with the appropriate decorum and respect”, he said.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH