Asantehene marks Akwasidae in black, brown without ornaments
The Asante Kingdom has marked the sixth Akwasidae festival in solemn tribute to the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
On Sunday, 17 August 2025, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II led a subdued observance of the revered Akwasidae festival at the Manhyia Palace, foregoing the usual splendour and gold regalia in honour of the departed Queen Mother.
Clad in black and brown cloths, the King and his subjects gathered in a spirit of mourning, transforming the traditional celebration into a poignant farewell.
Known as Akwasidae Tuntum or Kuntunkuni Dae, the black-cloth version of the festival is reserved for periods of grief, and this year’s edition reflected the deep sorrow felt across the Asante Kingdom following Nana Konadu Yiadom III’s passing earlier this month.
Chiefs, queen mothers and loyal subjects from across the region converged at the palace, united in their sombre attire and quiet reverence.
The absence of gold ornaments, which typically symbolise the wealth and grandeur of the Asante heritage, underscored the gravity of the moment.
The Akwasidae festival, observed every 40 days in accordance with the Akan calendar, coincided with the Queen Mother’s death, casting a shadow over what is usually a vibrant cultural display.
Her One-Week observance, a key rite in Akan funeral tradition, has been scheduled for Thursday, 21 August 2025.
The muted tone of the celebration served as a powerful reminder of Nana Konadu Yiadom III’s towering influence within the Asante traditional hierarchy.
Her legacy as a custodian of culture and matriarch of the kingdom will be etched in the annals of Asante history.
