My brief Time in Kumasi: From Royalty to Artistry
Have you ever considered traveling to Kumasi, Ghana? Depending on your starting destination of origin, travel times will, of course, vary. However, if you are departing from Ghana’s capital city, Accra, your flight time will only be forty (40) minutes. Kumasi invites its visitors with comforting and open arms—it is not a destination you’ll want to rush if you are on a tight schedule.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence and awe. The palace serves as the residence of the highes ruler, Asantehene. Before delving into the palace's captivating history, I must emphasize the significance of the artifacts housed within its walls. Each piece not only holds immense historical value but also serves as a testament to the enduring importance of the Ashanti culture.
During our guided tour, we were fortunate to learn more about the Asantehene's Palace and its rich heritage. One thing that struck me was the simplicity and modesty of the palace. Unlike many opulent royal residences, kings have historically lived without extravagance. In fact, the current king resides in a more modern palace situated behind the older one. Occurring every 42 days, this festival sees the king's subjects flock to the palace to pay him homage. Our guide explained how witnessing the Adae Festival would provide us with a profound insight into the traditions and customs that still thrive in Kumasi. During this festival Visitors can get a good insight into traditional African democracy, which is still very present in the customs of the people when they visit the courtyard.
Our next activity took some time to get to. We were traveling outside of the city center and into the more rural areas to receive lessons on Kente Weaving (the birthplace of Kente Cloth) and a woodcarving/Adinkra workshop. In the villages around Kumasi, artisans specialize in crafts such as goldsmithing, wood carving, cloth printing, and weaving. Bonwire is the place to go for kente cloth, Pankrono is best for pottery, Ahwiaa for woodcarving, and Ntonso for adinkra cloth. The artistry displayed during the kente cloth and adinkra cloth demonstrations was a memory I don’t forseee myself forgetting.
This glimpse into the heart of Ashanti culture will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the enduring traditions that shape the region. Although a brief two-day visit may leave you yearning for more, traveling to Kumasi offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the Ashanti culture. From the captivating artifacts at the Asantehene Palace to the traditions of the Adae Festival Festival, every moment spent in Kumasi will be a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.
