Asantehemaa Dɔte Yie: Asantehene Marks Final Burial Rites of Traditional Mother In Cowries Cloth

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for the second time, donned a cowrie-decorated Kuntunkuni cloth for the burial rites of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the late Asantehemaa.

His Majesty wore a different styled design on the second day of the rites.

The cloth has an intricate cowrie design. The outfit is complemented by a traditional hat adorned with designs of cowries.

This symbolic appearance of His Majesty reflects the depth of grief felt across Asanteman.

His Majesty, before taking his seat in state on Thursday noon, journeyed in a royal palanquin to the residence of the late Queen to pay respects.

With a large entourage, the King proceeded to the Dwabrem grounds where dignitaries, including President John Dramani Mahama, Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Deputy Eswatini Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla, waited for His Majesty’s appearance to pay homage and commiserate with him.

Also present are Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Former Second Lady Samira Bawumia, former First Lady Nana Agyemang Konadu Rawlings, IGP Christian Yohunu, BoG Governor Dr Johnson Asiamah and others.
The final day of the burial rites will later witness the laying to rest of the late Asantehemaa, with her ancestors at the royal mausoleum at Breman Abusuakruwa.

The rites commenced on Monday, September 15.

The event has been joined by various dignitaries, either as groups or individuals, from across the country and beyond to commiserate with Asanteman and the King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

A key point to note is the institution of the restriction on outdoor movement effective 7pm on September 18 to make way for the burial of Asantehemaa.

Story by Hajara Fuseini