Golden Stool

Golden stool 31 January 1935

Golden Stool (Sika Dwa Kofi) holds a profound symbolic significance in the history, culture, and politics of the Ashanti people in Ghana. It is not merely a regal throne but a sacred symbol of the soul of the Ashanti nation, embodying their unity, strength, and spirit. According to legend, the Golden Stool descended from the sky and landed on the lap of the first Ashanti king, Osei Tutu, signifying his divine right to rule and the inception of the Ashanti Kingdom in the late 17th century.

Origin and Legend

The legend of the Golden Stool is deeply intertwined with the foundation of the Ashanti Empire. It is said that Okomfo Anokye, a high priest and co-founder of the Ashanti Confederacy, invoked the stool from the heavens in the presence of the gathered Ashanti chiefs. This miraculous event underscored the divine approval of the Ashanti political order and the unbreakable bond between the people and their land. The stool, made of gold and believed to house the spirit of the Ashanti nation, is so sacred that it never touches the ground and is kept in a special place when not in use.

Cultural Significance

The Golden Stool is central to the Ashanti identity and governance. It symbolizes the unity of the Ashanti people, and its safety is paramount to the peace and stability of the kingdom. The stool is not used as a chair; instead, it is a revered artifact that is present at all important Ashanti ceremonies, including the enthronement of new kings. The Ashanti believe that the stool contains the sumsum (soul) of the Ashanti people, and as such, it is treated with the utmost respect and care.

Political Role

Throughout history, the Golden Stool has played a significant role in Ashanti resistance against colonial and external forces. The most notable instance was the Yaa Asantewaa War in 1900, also known as the War of the Golden Stool, led by the Ashanti queen mother Yaa Asantewaa. The war was a fierce resistance against British colonial forces who sought to capture the stool and undermine Ashanti sovereignty. The Golden Stool's symbolism as the embodiment of the Ashanti nation's soul made it a rallying point for Ashanti unity and resistance.

Current Status

Today, the Golden Stool remains a potent symbol of Ashanti heritage and identity. It is kept out of public view and is only brought out during special ceremonies involving the Ashanti king, known as the Asantehene. The stool's significance extends beyond the Ashanti people to Ghana as a whole, representing a proud symbol of resistance, unity, and the rich cultural heritage of the Ghanaian people.

See Also

• Ashanti Empire
• Asantehene
• Yaa Asantewaa
• Ghanaian culture