The Two Symbolic Gifts Asantehene Presented to Eswatini King

Two emblematic gifts were presented to the Monarch of Eswatini, His Majesty Mswati III, by the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during a welcome durbar at the Manhyia Palace.

The presents included what were referred to as the “Tontonsansan” gift and the “Unity Staff”.

“Tontonsansan” Gift
The first gift which was unveiled was a crafted communication tool decorated with cowries which represent sustainability and prosperity, the King was informed.

It recognises the mouthpiece and engagement of Asante and the Eswatini people, serving as the mode of communication between the two Kingdoms and their members.

The tool appears seated on a gold stool which represents the soul of Asante.

Lying side by side on the stool are an eagle and a lion respectively representing the emblems of Asante and Eswatini.

This gift represents the two Kingdoms’ meeting and their ambition to foster a relationship and build a sustainable agenda.

Unity Staff
The staff features a centre medallion homing a hawk and a lion. The hawk represents the Oyoko clan and the Asantehene symbolising vigilance, clarity of vision and nobility while the lion represents the Ngwenyama of Eswatini, symbolizing courage, majesty and strength.

These symbols are placed side by side to represent brotherhood and a joint force between the two kingdoms.

Another striking feature of the staff is Adinkra symbols echoing the ideals championed by the Asantehene (ie sustainable national development; preservation of African culture; preservation of other cultures; intelligence and wisdom; promotion of education and research; the protection of our natural resource).

“This is a call to you, Your Majesty Ngwenyama of Eswatini, to secure a prosperous and enduring future for Africa,” the King was informed.

The third symbolic feature of the rod are symbols of totems of clans in both Eswatini and Asante on the staff.

The base of the staff has inscriptions in Twi and Eswatini translated as “Two kingdoms, one brotherhood built to endure.”

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/